HISTORY was made at Whitehill Town Council on Monday night, with the first woman mayor taking the helm.

But it was not the first time the new mayor, Faith Thomas, has made history in her four years on the council.

For she was also the first deputy woman mayor to complete a term in office, as the previous woman deputy only completed six months.

Mrs Thomas, of Waterside Close, said she was Òabsolutely thrilledÓ with her new role.

ÒIÕm proud to have the role. I know I have made history here tonight and I will try to live up to it. I will also try to live up to what past mayors have done,Ó she said.

Speaking to The Herald next day she said her main priority during her term in office will be to serve the community and try to attend as many community functions as she can.

ÒI am in the town six or seven days a week with my work and I see the community on a regular basis, from the elderly to the young,Ó she said.

ÒAnd I am just so pleased that an ÔordinaryÕ person has the role of the mayor.

ÒBeing a childminder and having the role of mayor shows that we councillors do do proper jobs as well.Ó

Mrs Thomas has three children, Gareth (27), Helen (24) and Mark (22), who were all present to see her installed as mayor.

ÒEveryone I have seen today has congratulated me and my house is full of lovely flowers which people have given me,Ó she said.

In handing over the mayoral chains, Mrs ThomasÕ predecessor, Neil Ockenden, said: ÒThank you to everyone who has supported me in my two years as mayor.

ÒIt has always been fun to represent the town because there are so many things going on. To my successor, I wish you well. It is a difficult task, though, and you will have to watch your pÕs and qÕs.Ó

He thanked not only the other 11 councillors on the town council, but also the two clerks Linda Tiley and Pat Newman, who he said had supported him throughout his term of office.

And he also thanked the community for its support.

The civic leadership of the town council is an all-woman affair now, as Chris Wain was elected deputy mayor.

The duo will stay in office until the elections in May next year.