Dorchester’s new mayor said she will work hard to make the historic county town a "vibrant and developing" place.

Cllr Susie Hosford was officially sworn into her new role at a well-attended mayor making ceremony at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange on Monday evening.

The ceremony began with councillors parading in full insignia led by two mace bearers wearing traditional tricorn hats and gold-trimmed capes.

After donning the mayoral robes for the first time Cllr Hosford said Dorchester has a "unique heritage" with its rich history and literacy legacy.

Cllr Hosford, who is also a West Dorset District councillor, is taking up the role of first citizen for a second time, having previously been mayor eight years ago.

She said that since she was first elected to the council in 2003, the town has seen some wonderful changes including the expansion of the Poundbury estate and the Brewery Square development.

However, she said the town was still "desperately short" of affordable housing, promising that the council would do its upmost to secure delivery on development sites.

She said: "There are other significant challenges ahead with local government reorganisation, further cuts in vital services, the development of our town centre and continuing problems with traffic and parking.

"We are living in a time of change and change brings challenges, but change also gives us opportunities and we must make sure that we are proactive in recognising those opportunities.

"Dorchester is a wonderful place to live and bring up a family. We are a close knit and caring community which responds to the needs of others and I have every confidence that the Syrian families who we hope will be making their homes here later this year will receive a warm welcome."

She urged citizens of Dorchester to take part in town events and consultations and help her serve the county town by making their views heard.

The Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Cavernoma Alliance UK were announced as the mayoral charities for the upcoming year.

Cllr Hosford said herself and her mayor’s escort Tony Biondic have a hard act to follow from outgoing mayor and mayoress Tim and Anita Harries.

She said: "Their sense of fun has been irresistible. We have all learnt to expect the unexpected and that the unexpected comes in many different forms."

Outgoing Mayor Cllr Harries said he had a busy year attending more than 300 civic events and was honoured to have met the royal family when they visited Poundbury last November.

Wishing the incoming Mayor the best of luck he said: "We have really enjoyed rediscovering all the events that take place in our wonderful town and all the volunteers that keep it running. Thank you very much for the town of Dorchester and all the friends we have met."