A piece of history was made last night after the new mayor of Chesham was announced during a meeting at the town hall.

Having been voted in unanimously by his colleagues, Cllr Noel Brown - who has served on the town council for 40 years - becomes the first mayor to serve a third term in Chesham.

Cllr Brown, also a county councillor representing the Chess Valley division, was honoured by fellow councillor at the meeting for his service to the town with a commemorative cake.

The town’s new mayor, who last held the position over 23 years ago, said: “I have always thought that being a town mayor is the best experience you can have in local government.

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“If you can do it, you should because it is absolutely amazing and I think it is going to be an interesting year.”

Cllr Brown takes over from former mayor Peter Hudson while Cllr Emily Culverhouse was elected Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Mark Shaw said: “I can think of nobody better than Noel Brown to be mayor of this town.

“He is a special person and I am sure he will carry out his duties as town mayor excellently.

“It gives me great delight to propose Noel Brown for the ensuing year.”

Commenting on the former mayor, Cllr Shaw added: “Peter Hudson has worked so hard in his year as mayor and has really connected with the town.

“He has thrown himself into his role and brought successes such as the Volunteer Chesham event.

“The strong voluntary sector is what gives this town not only a heart, but a heart that really beats.”

A total of 14 of the town’s former mayors – including Cllr Brown and Cllr Hudson – were presented at the meeting with commemorative badges for their service to the town.

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The former mayor, Cllr Hudson, said: “The thing I now appreciate is what a special place Chesham is, a place where community spirit is very strong.

“I think the council has made some real strides forward and I am excited to continue to play my role as a councillor.”

During his year as mayor, Cllr Brown Noel will be raising funds for The Theatre Shed and the Arctic One Foundation.

The Mayor presides over meetings of the council, as well as attending civic and ceremonial functions, such as the Remembrance Sunday parade and Chesham’s Civic Service.