Penryn has it's first mayor and lady mayoress couple for the first time in years after Councillor Mark Snowdon took over the mayorship from Councillor Gill Grant.

During a ceremony in Penryn's crowded Temperance Hall, Councillor Grant passed the role onto Councillor Snowdon, as well as ceremonially handing over the town's treasured loving cup, a gift to the borough from Lady Jane Killigrew in 1663.

Councillor Grant first provided the town with a resumé of the past civic year, including the death of one councillor, John Hodge, the resignation of another, Cait Hutchings, and the recruitment of two new members Chaz Wenmoth and Rich Mitchell, as well as several changes as a result of sweeping cuts to Cornwall Council's budget.

She thanked the councillors and council staff, her mace bearers, mayor's warden and mayor's chaplain, and her partner Tom, and said: "I've been mayor six times, and I forget how many times I've been deputy.

"I know the council will be in good hands as I pass the crown to Mark. Thank you."

The new mayor thanked his predecessor, and said it had been an "honour and a pleasure" to serve as deputy to a "remarkable lady" over the last twelve months, adding "the town will forever be in your debt."

He said: "I'm delighted to wear this mayoral chain around my neck, and I can confirm my total commitment to the town."

He outlined his belief that the town should build on its "rich historic past" and look to the future, with lots of projects about to be developed, and added he had his own plans to try and reinstate the historic practice of beating the bounds, and to hold a Christmas carol concert in the Methodist chapel to coincide with the Christmas lights programme.

He thanked his family for their support, including his wife Diane, the first lady mayoress in 17 years, and his father and son who had helped when three generations of Snowdons recently renovated the town's council chamber.

He added that the election of the mayor, which happened a day after his birthday, was "the best birthday present ever."

As well as choosing the mayor, Councillor Shelley Peters was chosen as the new deputy mayor, while Lorna Smuda retains her position as mayor's warden, Martin Northern and Norman Hunter are the town's mace bearers,

Jim Henderson was named as the new town crier, and Celia Philips replaces Father Stephen Wales as the mayor's chaplain.