THE mayor of Bournemouth raised a glass to the business people of Kinson during a walkabout of the town.

He was invited to tour the area and see the state of work on the site of the precinct which is being demolished to make way for a Tesco.

Ramesh Lal, manager of KC Opticians and chair of Kinson Business Forum, organised a reception for the mayor and mayoress, Cllr Rod and Elaine Cooper, before they toured the area.

Mr Lal said: “The mayor showed great interest in the businesses visited, which ranged from new start-ups like Poppies flower shop to the long established Ellie’s Doll Shop which has built an international clientele.

“There was a stop at the Academy of Contemporary Music, where a special performance for the mayor had been arranged and he loved the sweet shop, Kinson Treats – tasting quite a few.

“A visit to the Aniwell veterinary clinic saw the massive investment in a state-of-the-art clinic, which has grown extensively since it opened in 1995.”

The mayor was fascinated by the history of Kinson and saw the newly decorated stocks on the village green, before taking refreshment at Gulliver’s Tavern and proposing a toast to Kinson.

Mr Lal thanked Mandy Payne, who arranged the visit and introduced the mayor.