THE Mayor of Crediton thanked, on behalf of Crediton Town Council, the many people, charities and organisations that help make Crediton the town it is today at a reception held at the Boniface Centre this week.

More than 100 people attended the event, at which the Mayor, who is also chairman of Crediton Town Council, outlined some of his proposals for his further year in office.

He said his aim was to see St Boniface recognised as Patron Saint of Crediton and hoped the Chamber of Commerce and businesses would support the idea which, he said, could bring lots of tourists to the town, where, he hoped, they would spend lots of money in the High Street shops.

He said he had the support of three of the four town churches, adding that the Congregational Church did not have a minister in post at the moment.

He said the council's aim during the coming year was also to finish the enhancement of the Scout Memorial and People's Park projects and there would also be a review of council procedures.He also pushed for entries for the Crediton Town Council Floral Crediton competition.

He thanked his wife for her support, his deputy, Mrs Joyce Harris and the Town Council staff, town clerk Martin Maggs and assistant, Martin Ashley.

Cllr Letch also paid tribute to the work of the councillors and said that three people had taken up the vacant roles as councillors during the year and one councillor had recently stepped down.

He said one of the greatest achievements the council had undertaken followed the saddest event in the town, the fire which destroyed six properties in Buller Square earlier this year.

He explained that three of the properties were not sufficiently insured and said that the sad event had "showed the great support of the people from Crediton and beyond" who had helped raise more than £25,000 for the families concerned after a fund was established by the Town Council.

Cllr Letch recognised the valuable work over many years of Judith Nichols, who had recently retired as manager at Crediton Citizens' Advice Bureau. He presented her with a Crediton Town Council plate, the honour which is bestowed on those who have given service considered of value by the Town Council.

Mrs Nichols was the Crediton CAB manager for five years but has been an advisor with the CAB for 15 years.

Prior to her work as manager at Crediton CAB she worked locally as an Outreach worker, funded by the National Lottery, also for five years, solving people's problems and helping where she could following the foot and mouth outbreak, largely dealing with issues encountered by farmers and those in rural areas.

Refreshments were provided at the reception by Triple C Cafe of Crediton and music on arrival was played by "Liar in the Light", an indie folk band comprising year 10 students from Queen Elizabeth's Academy, Crediton.

Alan Quick