A LONG-serving councillor is set to take over as Weymouth of Portland mayor for the first time in the Olympic year.

Coun Margaret Leicester will succeed Coun Graham Winter as Weymouth and Portland’s first citizen at the borough council’s annual meeting and mayor making ceremony on Thursday May 24.

It will be her first time as mayor of Weymouth and Portland as the resort braces itself for a busy summer ahead.

Coun Leicester, who was first elected to the borough council in 1985, said that she was looking forward to her year.

“This is going to be a landmark year for the borough with the Queen’s Jubilee, as well as the Olympics, Paralympics and various relays.”

She added: “I am really looking forward to my year as mayor and hope to build on the role of the civic office.

“It is an important year for Weymouth and Portland and I hope it will be a successful one for the borough.”

Coun Leicester, who lives on Portland, has been mayor of Portland Town Council twice – in 1985 and 1997 – but passed on the borough’s honour because of other commitments, such as bring up her children, until now.

She has held the position of deputy mayor for the past year during Coun Winter’s term in office.

Coun Leicester will take on the mantle at the mayor making ceremony at Weymouth Pavilion at 7pm on Thursday. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Coun Winter will hand over the robes and chain of office before Coun Leicester formally takes up her position.

Coun Winter said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have been mayor of Weymouth and Portland.

“I would like to thank all those people who have donated to any of the mayor’s charities this year and wish Margaret Leicester all the best in her new role.”

Coun Ray Banham will succeed Coun Leicester as deputy mayor.

Chairmen and vice-chairmen for each of the council’s committees will also be appointed during the meeting.

The mayor-making event is free but ticket only. Anyone interested should write to Mo Newport, Civic Secretary, Council Offices, North Quay, Weymouth DT4 8TA, call 01305 838083 or email m.newport@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk