DAWLISH Conservative councillor Graham Price has been voted in as Teignbridge Council’s new chairman.

Councillors at the district authority elected the Dawlish councillor to take over from Independent councillor Mike Hocking.

Cllr Price said he was surprised to be nominated and he will serve to the best of his ability. He then thanked his fellow councillors for the privilege.

Buckfastleigh and Ashburton councillor John Nutley was elected vice-chairman of the council and takes over from Dawlish councillor Rosalind Prowse.

Cllr Nutley expressed his delight at being elected and echoed the words of retired Mid-Devon Advertiser series reporter John Balment, who said the council was too politically run.

Cllr Hocking thanked everyone who had supported him over the past year. It had been a pleasure and he had enjoyed every minute of it.

He also thanked his partner and ‘soulmate’ Cllr Carol Bunday for her immense help and support.

‘It has been an unforgettable experience and I wish the new chairman all the best,’ he added.

The retiring chairman presented the Helen Foundation with a cheque for £1,100.