Dorchester’s next Mayor will be David Taylor.

He will take up the role in May at a ceremony in the Corn Exchange - the current Mayor Susie Hosford will be Deputy Mayor.

Mr Taylor, 55, was first elected to the Town Council in 2011. He also serves on West Dorset District Council where he was elected three years ago.

He works at a local school in its pre and post-school club and says that community organisations which work with children will benefit from his Mayor’s charity during his year.

He has worked for a number of local businesses, including the Nat West bank, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and the Cook Shop.

Said Mr Taylor: “I’m looking forward to the year – we’ll have a lot of fun. I am sure it will be a very successful year for all of us.”

He is a member of the town’s Management and Planning and Environment Committees and also serves on the Dorchester Joint Heritage Committee and the Dorchester Markets Informal Joint Panel.

Born and educated in Sherborne he trained as chef and then travelled extensively before returning to Dorset, settling in Dorchester.

He describes himself as a keen walker, has researched local history and is a supporter of local charities Weldmar Hospice Trust and Julia's House.

His partner, Martin, works as a pharmacist at the County Hospital but because of work and other commitments will only occasionally be able to accompany Mr Taylor on his official duties during the year.

The traditional Mayor-making ceremony will be held at the Corn Exchange on Monday, May 21.