Sidmouth Town Council marked a change of leadership by thanking its outgoing leader this week.

Councillor John Hollick has been selected for the top role, replacing Stuart Hughes.

Jeff Turner has stepped into the position of vice chairman for the next two years, with his role as the member with a special responsibility for finance being taken up by John Dyson.

Cllr Hughes said: “Being the chairman has been the highlight of my time in local government – it’s been a fantastic two years.

“You have been more than a great team - you are my extended family. Thank you very much.”

Mr Hughes said the best moments were seeing Mary King honoured with a street parade after the Olympics, and seeing the rapid success of the new Sidmouth in Bloom committee last year. Accepting his new position as chairman, Cllr Hollick said: “Thanks to the outgoing chairman, Stuart Hughes, for his work, not only in the chamber, but in the community.”

He said members should take inspiration from Team GB at last year’s Olympic Games and move towards being ‘Team Sidmouth’.

Mr Hollick was nominated by Cllr Ian McKenzie-Edwards, who said: “It’s been a pleasure to have him as vice chairman and the chairman of planning, and he rose to the challenge.

“He is well qualified – I have no hesitation to propose him.”

The nomination was backed by Cllr Chris Wale, who added: “He has served Sidmouth Town Council with passion and dedication – there is no better candidate to replace Cllr Hughes.”

Cllr McKenzie-Edwards was set to become chairman, but stepped down as vice chairman last year citing time constraints as he continues to run a caravan park in Salcombe Regis.

New vice chairman Jeff Turner was nominated by Cllr Graham Liverton, who said: “Sidmouth Town Council prides itself that we never repeat having the same chairman or vice chairman twice.

“We are very fortunate because we have such a high calibre of councillor, and by no means least is Jeff Turner.”

Cllr Turner said: “I will endeavour to do the job to the best of my ability.”

The nominations were uncontested.

Members also thanked former councillor Maggie Baldwin for her service to the town.