Thetford's new mayor has promised to protect the 'traditions and the people' of the town after being handed the position for the next year.

Sylvia Armes took on the chains and robes of office from outgoing mayor Stuart Wright before Thetford Town Council's annual town meeting on Tuesday and swore she would do all she could to help the town to prosper.

'I have lived in the town for 54 years and I think I have been here long enough to become an adopted Thetfordian.

'I will do all I can to protect the traditions of our ancient town with dignity and pride, and promote the welfare of all its inhabitants,' she said.

Mrs Armes takes on the role after more than eight years on the town council and was elected to Breckland District Council in 2011. She previously served on the town and district councils for four years from 1999.

Her background includes stints as a governor at Charles Burrell High School and she is a qualified skating coach.

Her husband, Colin Armes, served as the town's mayor twice. Ms Armes admitted she 'never in her wildest dreams' imagined she would follow in his footsteps.

Mr Wright, who will become deputy mayor, thanked his family and the town council for his year in office. 'I hope I have raised the profile of the office of mayor and the town's,' he said.

'It's gratifying to report that the office of mayor is still held in high regard and I wish Councillor Armes well for her year in the post.'

Mrs Armes picked the Riversdale Centre and Thetford Town Football Club as her charities for the year.

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