A plea was made for Weymouth ‘not to lose its identity’ and to keep the office of mayor ahead of a local government shake-up which could see the borough council abolished.

Alderman Andy Hutchings made the call at the annual dinner of the charitable organisation Honorary Court Highclere No. 1 Weymouth of the Ancient Order of Foresters.

He said: “Weymouth has elected a mayor since 1615 and on the move to a unitary authority, our historic borough must not lose its unique identity.”

A new unitary authority for western Dorset could be established under the Future Dorset proposal.

A town council could be set up in Weymouth.

Mr Hutchings said: “We have a marvellous borough here, I have lived in Weymouth all my life, serving 24 years on the borough council. My hope is that when Weymouth council arrives in 2019, the historic and important office of mayor will continue.”

Chief Ranger John Dean, currently Mayor of Chickerell, welcomed Kevin Brookes, Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, together with Mayoress Anne Brookes.

Cllr Brookes said: “I do thank the many volunteers who operate throughout Weymouth – they make our town what it is. Without organisations like the Foresters, Weymouth would be much poorer.”

He explained that it was 30 years since any one party had control of the council, so councillors “have to co-operate with each other and get on with it”.

Cllr Brookes added: “We are entering a period of change and I support the creation of a town council, because we will need something that will work for the benefit of the town. There is still a lot of work to do.”

The Honorary Court, which was established in 1887, is today an altruistic organisation that raises funds for local charities. Unlike many courts of Foresters, the Weymouth group does not sell or deal in insurance.

New members are welcome and enquiries about joining the Honorary Court should be made to Secretary Munro Ross on 01305 784320.