BOB Willingham has been elected as the mayor of Bude for the first time at the latest Bude-Stratton Town Council meeting on Thursday, May 3.

Cllr Willingham beat Cllr Peter Kelly by seven votes to four in the race to replace Peter Moores, who was later elected as deputy mayor for the coming year.

Cllr Moores departed by saying: “It’s been a really interesting year with several functions that I’ve really enjoyed.”

Cllr Willingham addressed the councillors by joking: “Thank you ever so much, although it’ll probably be a slow start.

“Thank you Peter for looking after us and I hope to do as well, if not better, as I learn the council procedures.”

Cllr Willingham then proposed that Cllr Moores should be elected as deputy mayor, citing his experience.

Cllr Kelly was again proposed by Cllr Frank Partridge, however Cllr Moores was voted in by eight votes to four.