The outgoing Mayor of Chesham has highlighted the town’s community spirit in a leaving message on his last day in the role.

Cllr Peter Hudson will pass on the Mayoral chain tonight to his successor, Cllr Noel Brown, but thanked the town for their hard work in a statement this morning.

The Mayor said via the OurChesham Facebook page: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my term of office and the opportunity to serve the good people of Chesham.

“I have learnt many thanks during the past year, but most of all, I now truly appreciate what a special place Chesham is and how fortunate I am to live here.

“Our town has it challenges, just like any town, but unlike just any town, Chesham is full of people who truly care and where community spirit is strong.

“I put volunteering at the heart of my Mayoral year and have had the privilege of meeting many dedicated local people and community groups who work so hard for our town all year round.

“People are often surprised when they discover how much these groups contribute - Without them, Chesham would be a much poorer place and I thank every single one of them.

“I look forward to continuing to play my part as a local Councillor as I hand on the Mayoral chain tonight to my successor, safe in the knowledge that he is a man of great experience, having already given 40 years of public service to Chesham.

“To the people of Chesham I say, carry on caring. You all make Chesham great.”

The Annual Town Council meeting, which is open to the public, takes place at 7.30 tonight in the town hall.