NEW Test Valley Borough mayor Jan Lovell thanked the public as she was sworn in during a meeting at Andover Guildhall on Wednesday morning.

Cllr Lovell was described as a ‘hard-working and community minded councillor’ during the ceremony as she received her robes and insignia of office.

On her appointment, Cllr Lovell said: “I would like to thank everyone for gifting me this great privilege, and I am grateful to my son and daughter-in-law for being there for me and supporting me.

“Most of all, I would like to thank the people of Test Valley in giving me this opportunity, a responsibility I will be taking very seriously.”

Cllr Zilliah Brooks proposed Cllr Lovell for the position while Cllr Ian Hibberd seconded her for the role.

Cllr Hibberd added: “Jan has carried out all her duties with humility, dignity and decorum which are essential qualities, and we can be very confident that Jan will continue in the same way as mayor.”

Outgoing mayor Cllr Janet Whiteley, reflecting on her year in office, said: “I would like to thank all involved in making this a wonderful year for myself Jan is new borough mayor and Neville.

“I would also like to thank Neville for all his support and for holding all of my handbags!

“I have had an exceptional welcome across the borough at the 600-odd events that I have attended, wherever they have been.”

Cllr Iris Andersen was elected as the deputy mayor. She said: “It is a great honour to become the deputy mayor. I will work very hard to serve the borough and you can rest assured that I will support the new mayor in any way she may need.”