A NEW chairman was elected by North Devon Council at its annual council meeting on Wednesday, April 4.

Councillor John Moore was elected to serve as chairman for the next 12 months, taking over the role from previous chairman, Councillor Sue Croft. The new vice-chairman is Councillor Frank Biederman.

Councillor Moore has been a South Molton Independent councillor at North Devon Council since May 2011.

He also served as a district councillor from May 1987 to May 2007.

Councillor Moore says: "I’m delighted to have been elected as chairman after all these years. I appreciate the members’ confidence in giving me the appointment and I look forward to serving the district as chairman."

Councillor Frank Biederman says: "It’s a great honour to have been elected as vice-chairman for the coming year and I look forward to supporting John in his chairmanship. I hope my appointment encourages more younger and working people to put themselves forward to be a councillor and represent their communities."

As well as presiding over full council meetings, the chairman represents the council at civic and ceremonial events and promotes the work of the council to the local communities it serves.