At a full Honiton Town Council meeting conducted on Monday (Aug 10) members resolved to appoint a new Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Carol Gilson accepted the nomination put forward by Cllr Philip Carrigan and was voted in with seven votes to two.

Click here to see a video recording of the meeting.

Speaking to Honiton Nub News, Deputy Mayor Carol Gilson said: "It is a difficult time to take over the position and I'm new to the job. However, I'm very quick to learn.

"There is a lot of discussion about The Beehive at the moment which was before my time at the Council. I'm trying to catch up with the paperwork to understand the situation fully, but I support the great work at The Beehive.

"I take my new role as Deputy Mayor very seriously.

"I have won many awards over the years, including the Honiton Town Citizen of the Year Award in 2015 and the Downing Street Points of Light Award from David Cameron in 2016.

"In 2017 I was shortlisted in third position for The Pride of Britain Award and last year I received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community.

"I love Honiton and the people and I'm very proud to represent the town.

"People can come to my stall at the corner of Lace Walk in the town centre with any problems and I make sure that it's dealt with.

"There is not a lot of caring in this world, so it's nice to live in a community that cares."

Mayor John Zarczynski commented: "Cllr Carol Gilson is a very upstanding and well-respected member of the community; as we all know, decorated by the Queen for her services to the disabled.

"I am very pleased that Cllr Gilson has accepted the role of Deputy Mayor and I'm sure that her dedication as a serving councillor and Deputy Mayor will be an asset to the town."