NORTH Wiltshire District Council's new chairman Coun Dianne Moore is looking forward to her new role as the public face of the council.

Coun Moore, who has lived in Chippenham for 30 years, took over as chairman from Coun Brian Atfield at the first meeting of the council after the recent elections.

"I've been vice chair for the last two years so I have a feel for what I'm taking on," said Coun Moore, of Marshall Street.

"It is important that people realise there is a difference between mayors and town councils, and the district council - which has a very different role.

"I feel it is part of my role to make people aware of that."

Coun Moore is manager of Thorntons at Signature in Borough Parade and has four grown-up children.

She has been a district councillor for eight years.

She first decided to stand for election because she wanted to help local people.

Coun Moore said the district council had an exciting time ahead, with lots of new members.

"Many of them have a vast knowledge and a lot of enthusiasm, which is vitally important," she said.

"We also have a lot of younger members which is good."

Coun Moore has yet to decide on her chairman's charity.

She has appealed to district council staff to help and to come up with ideas for a local charity to support.