New mayors have been appointed in Beccles and Bungay.

In Beccles, former deputy mayor Graham Catchpole has taken the step up, while in Bungay Terry Reeve begins a full term as mayor, having taken on the role following the death of Angela Brook in December.

Mr Catchpole said he was looking forward to starting his year with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and called upon people in the town to attend the civic service on Sunday, June 3 and the parade on the following day.

He said: 'I think that the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year is a good year for the town council to take a look at itself and see how it should adjust to the 21st century, improve its communications with the people of Beccles and prepare itself for changes of government legislation.

'Also, it is vital for the youth of our town to know that they are important and the town council want to hear their views.'

Mr Catchpole will also be focusing on the youth of the town with his mayoral appeal, which will be a bursary-style fund to help talented junior members of the town's sports clubs.

Caroline Topping, who is also a keen supporter of youth events, has been appointed deputy mayor.

In Bungay, Mr Reeve will have a full term as mayor, with Judy Cloke continuing her role as deputy.

Mr Reeve said: 'It is an honour to have the role of mayor of the town where I was born.

'I now look forward to a full year in the role after taking over in sad circumstances following the death of Angela Brook, and look forward to talking Bungay up rather than talking the town down.

'I want to promote Bungay and its many assets as a whole, but not bury our heads in the sand, as Bungay has its problems, the same as any town of its size.'

In Halesworth, James Wagner will continue as council chairman, with Ezra Leverett as vice-chairman.

richard.wood@archant.co.uk