NEW Malmesbury mayor John Poole took up his office this week and made a solemn promise not to dress up as Shirley Bassey, do a Full Monty-style strip or don a tutu and dance in the street with a wheelie bin.

Instead he would try to continue the progress made by outgoing mayor Jacky Martin.

He told guests at the mayor making on Wednesday, including the High Sheriff of Wiltshire: "I am very proud of my town and I have always had a very keen interest in the community."

Cllr Poole, whose deputy this year is Cllr John Lawton, paid tribute to his colleagues work in getting the town hall returned to the town.

"Hopefully it won't be long before we have a community centre we can be proud of," he added.

The Malmesbury-bred toolmaker, who is known locally for his flock of racing pigeons and his love of jazz, chose the River Valleys Trust and the Malmesbury Community Trust as his charities for the coming year because of their contribution to the local community.

He also announced proposals to include a youth category in the town's Citizen of the Year Awards.

Retiring mayor Mrs Martin said it had been an exhausting year. "But I thrive on being exhausted so it's been great."

She said the Venetian masked ball had been a great success, raising £1,600 for the Wortheys Sports Association and the Elizabeth Hodges Charity.

The White Lion Park recreation association was also doing well. She said: "It's great to see people pulling together and making a real difference in their very own local community, especially where children are concerned.

"I wish them well and the town council have promised and budgeted support."

The council was still awaiting a decision on the health centre at Burton Hill. But she added: "There is comfort in knowing we are not alone as a community. Many other towns are in the same boat.

She said the biggest challenge she faced during her year was saving the town hall. "Our working group worked tirelessly and should be very proud of their efforts.

"Obviously the building hasn't changed yet but it will in time. At least we now have a central community building for this growing town."