Veteran hairdresser Desna Allen, 55, hopes she is cut out for a challenging year in office as the new Mayor of Chippenham.

Councillor Allen, of Minster Way, was formally appointed mayor at a ceremony in the town hall on Thursday.

The former deputy mayor is already heavily involved in town life she has been a town councillor for four years and a district councillor since May 1.

She said: "My year as deputy mayor has been very enjoyable and this year is going to be tremendous. I am really looking forward to my role as mayor.

"I have watched the town develop and it is a real pleasure. I just love Chippenham and I want it to do well. I hope I can help.

"I have a real interest in people and want to be involved in local things. I want to go out and see what people are doing," she said.

Cllr Allen came to Chippenham when she was five years old and has stayed ever since.

Her 30-year-old daughter and 13-year-old grandson live in Pewsham.

Her work with children as a governor at the former Allington School inspired her to nominate youth advisory service Relateen as her mayoral charity.

"I am interested in young people's welfare and the charity does very worthwhile work to help those suffering from deprivation and marriage break ups," she said.

Cllr Allen is also a freelance hairdresser and last month marked her fortieth year in the profession.

The new deputy mayor is Cllr Ross Henning.