The next Mayor of Dorchester is set to be long-serving and world-class town crier, Alistair Chisholm.

Cllr Chisholm, who has been named national town crying champion on multiple occasions, intends to continue with his prize-winning role while serving as mayor.

He said that holding both positions may, at times, lead to difficulty in selecting the right hat, commenting: "I am assured this is not the first time a serving town crier has been appointed to the office of mayor and I may, on occasions, have some difficulty choosing which hat to wear – the mayor's bicorn or the crier's tricorn."

Cllr Chisholm will take over the position from the current mayor, Cllr Janet Hewitt, at a public ceremony in the Corn Exchange later this month.

He said he is honoured to have been elected as mayor for the first time, although he was the mayor's consort 15 years ago when his partner, Kate Hebditch, served as first citizen of the county town.

Once Cllr Chisholm takes office it will be Kate's turn to be by his side for many official functions.

Said Mr Chisholm, an independent councillor: "My interest in and commitment to the town has been clear from my arrival in Dorset, as a 'blow-in', over 30 years ago.

"I still find it difficult to believe our compact town can have such a long and incredible story spanning thousands of years from the stone age to today and have so much physical evidence of that story.

"I believe a significant part of our future rests on making more of our story and am delighted the ttown council has now put heritage tourism and its clear economic benefits high on its agenda.

"As a generous and thoughtful community we must continue to ensure the provision of basic needs throughout the town and this includes social housing.

"At the same time we need to guard against those developments which, while making the rich richer, will do little or nothing to meet the pressing needs of today's Dorchester."

Cllr Chisholm says he hopes his year will be marked by working together with other councils, businesses, voluntary and charitable organisations, service clubs, sports, social and cultural groups.

"The key has to be working together. If we can engender a vigorous spirit of mutual respect and understanding then this key will unlock our unique past and ensure a bright future for our residents and our visitors," he said.

The mayor-making ceremony will take place in the Corn Exchange at 7pm on Monday, May 22.