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 160 people attended the event, at which Cllr Frank Letch, who is also chairman of the town council, explained that it had been a good year for the council.

He explained that he had lived in the town for almost 17 years and said he was happy to be a part of the town's unique and friendly community.

He said the reception was a great way to thank the individuals and organisations who make Crediton such a great town.

He added that it was a great opportunity for people to meet and talk to each other and spoke of successes during the last year, including the Christmas in Crediton event and the television coverage it received; the Floral Crediton competition and how it helped to brighten the town; the completion of the Crediton Link Road and the creation of the Wildlife Area complete with bug hotels in Peoples Park.

He paid tribute to the hard work of the councillors during the past year and thanked those who were standing down or were not rejoining, namely Richard Adams, Paul Vincent and Gina Ford, but said there was, due to a shortage of prospective councillors standing, a chance for two people to be co-opted to become councillors.

He appealed for people interested to get in touch with the town clerk.

Mr Letch thanked his deputy, Cllr Joyce Harris, for all her hard work during the year.

He said he had been Mayor of seven years and said he was proud and greatly enjoyed the role.

He thanked the council staff, town clerk Mrs Clare Dalley and Miss Emma Lucas for their hard work.

On behalf of the town council, Cllr Letch presented cheques to some town organisations, which were collected by representatives present.