Beccles mayor Caroline Topping has become the second person in 52 years to hold the prestigious office for two years running.

Mrs Topping was unanimously elected as mayor of Beccles for a second year by her fellow councillors last week, and is looking forward to continuing her work in the town.

The mother-of-two, who works at Quayside Conservatories in Beccles, has followed in the footsteps of Alderman Mrs PE Taylor, who became the first lady mayor of Beccles and served for two years from 1960 to 1962.

It was Mrs Taylor who inscribed and presented the mayor's badge of office to the town council, which is still worn by Mrs Topping today.

She said: 'I really enjoyed my first year and met lots of interesting people and groups I didn't even know existed.

'With most jobs it takes about a year to get into it so I'm hoping my second year will be a bit more efficient. Having another year will also allow me to continue some of the projects I started which take a bit longer than a year to get into motion.

'I'm looking forward to another year representing the town and meeting my new fellow mayors.'

Last year's appeal supported the 2nd Beccles Sea Scouts and Mrs Topping has collected more than £18,500, which will help the scouts build an extension on their hut to cater for the boys and girls who now attend the group.

For her next year, the mayor's appeal will be supporting the Beccles Community Arts project to build a community stage at Beccles Quay where concerts and town events could be staged.

Mrs Topping will also be holding fundraisers to support the Waveney Stardust, a charity which has been running for 22 years and provides Broadland cruises for elderly and disabled people.

Hugh Taylor was also elected as deputy mayor, replacing councillor Eric Wareham.

Mr Taylor, who joined the council last July, said he had immersed himself in council business since joining and feels confident in taking on the role as deputy mayor.

He said: 'I went to lots of events with the mayor last year and learnt a lot from Caroline. I think what she has been doing is superb.'

For more information visit www.beccles.info/towncouncil

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