DORCHESTER Mayor Richard Biggs and deputy mayor David Taylor are to continue in their roles for another year - the first time this has happened since the Second World War.

They were re-appointed at an online council meeting on Monday evening.

Cllr Biggs, who quipped that it was ‘groundhog day,’ said he was happy to continue in the role although said his diary as first citizen was less full than it otherwise would have been because of the coronavirus restrictions -  but he hoped to have some formal engagement to attend soon.

He paid tribute to residents of the town for their community spirit and thanked town council staff and fellow councillors for their help in the town with those who needed assistance.

“Not since the last war has the town council taken the decision to extend the role beyond the normal year of office. I think you have made a sensible and pragmatic response and I will do my level best to steer the council through the next year," he said.

“I do not anticipate too many formal functions just yet, but Dorchester people will expect us to lead and to support the vulnerable. Where we can assist the local economy to move on to recovery we will, and will use our influence to lobby Dorset Council who have that function.”

He said that the town council, despite the pandemic, would make improvements to its own buildings to improve energy efficiency as part of its climate change declaration and would help and encourage others to also make changes.

He said his appeal for firefighters' charities was now closed and in the coming months would support local charities helping others during the pandemic. He said he also attended to recognise, during the year, those who had gone ‘over and above’ to help others.

Cllr Biggs said that the town council remained in a strong position to help others with its only drop in income from market fees, which it shares with Dorset Council. The Wednesday market is continuing to operate although is smaller than it otherwise would be and is mainly limited to food stalls.