TAVISTOCK’S Jeff Moody has taken over the post of West Devon Mayor, saying he is ‘looking forward to the challenges ahead’.

Cllr Moody, a borough councillor for Tavistock North, took over the role from outgoing mayor Cllr John Sheldon in a summons meeting on Tuesday. Cllr Mike Davies, a borough councillor for Okehampton North, was chosen as deputy mayor for the year.

Cllr Moody said: ‘I am deeply honoured to fill the post of West Devon’s mayor. Five years ago, when I joined the council, it was a post I never expected to fill. I publicly pledge to undertake mayoral duties with the enthusiasm, vigour and decorum the post demands.

‘In the last year, I have worked together with John and Maggie and they have worked tirelessly, providing an exemplary public service in the role. My wife Beverly and I are looking forward to the challenges ahead.’

Jeff said his mayoral charity would be JDRF — formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation — in honour of his wife Beverly, a sufferer of Type 1 diabetes. He said the charity does some very worthwhile work trying to cure the disease.

Cllr Mike Davies, West Devon’s new deputy mayor, said he was honoured to be deputy mayor and serve the people of West Devon.

Cllr John Sheldon, outgoing West Devon Mayor, said: ‘When you take on the mayorship you know that really it will be a two-year job, doing a year as deputy. That time does go very quickly and you get to know the place well.

‘Some of the events you go to are mind-changing and it affects you. You get to see the talent and spirit of people in West Devon. If that was spread across the country, we would live in a very different country indeed.’

During the meeting, Cllr Sheldon also took a moment to remember Mike Benson, a former councillor for West Devon who died in February.

The council also held a moment of silent reflection in honour of those who were affected by the terror attack in Manchester on May 22.

The council flew its flag at half mast and is sending a letter of condolences to the City of Manchester.

Picture of Cllrs Moody and Davies by James Bird.