WARMINSTER appointed its first independent mayor for more than 20 years on Monday.

Cllr Les Rose took over from Martin Baker after serving just two years on Warminster Town Council. Cllr Rose, 69, of Freesia Close, chose Dorothy House, the Rose charity, which helps disadvantaged local children, Age Concern, and Shopmobility as his charities.

He hopes to raise more than £10,000 for them in the coming year. "It has been absolutely marvellous so far," Cllr Rose said.

"I want to look at the empty shops in the town as well as continuing my campaign against litter."

Cllr Rose, who is married and has two daughters and four grandchildren served for 28 years on Winterbourne Stoke Parish Council.

Dorothea Sultana de Maria was appointed deputy mayor.

In Trowbridge Cllr Arthur Ransom has been appointed the town's new mayor and Tom James his deputy.

Cllr Ransom, 78, of Broadmead, Trowbridge, has selected Carers Support West Wilts and the Monday-Wednesday club as his charities.

"It is an exciting time to be in Trowbridge because a lot of plans for the town and now they are coming to fruition, said Cllr Ransom who has four children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.