Witham's new mayor hopes to boost visitors by improving the town’s image during his civic year.

Bill Rose, 67, who has been a councillor since 2007 and a deputy mayor three times, was chosen as town mayor at Witham Town Council’s annual general meeting yesterday.

The great-grandfather, who was born and bred in Witham and attended the former John Bramston School, said he wanted to give people “more of a reason” to come to the town.

He said: “As a ward member I have always had lots of youth engagement. Some young children don’t always realise what’s available to them on their doorstep, so I want to try and raise that image and generally with the town.

“Witham has always been a market town but trading can be difficult in the High Street.

“I will be working with the retailers to see how I can lift the profile and promote the town."

See Thursday's Witham Times for the full story.