Jan Lovell (pictured) thanked the public as she was sworn in as Mayor of Test Valley during a meeting at Andover Guildhall on Wednesday.

Mrs Lovell was described as a “hard-working and community-minded councillor” as she received her robes and insignia of office.

She 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.”

Zilliah Brooks proposed Mrs Lovell for the position and Ian Hibberd seconded her.

Mr 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 she will continue in the same way as mayor.”