Following a mass exodus of experienced councillors before the recent local elections, only three members of the council were eligible to run for mayor and Cllr Alan Noyce was unanimously re-elected to serve his second consecutive term.

His wife, Cllr Angela Noyce, was the only candidate for deputy mayor.

Combining his outgoing and incoming speeches at Monday's town council meeting, Mr Noyce said it been "not a normal year."

"It has been a very mixed up year," he said.

"We started off quite hopeful in May but then of course July had us," he added, referring to the flooding which sees some Shipston residents still not back in their homes.

"It has not been quite a normal mayoral year I don't think and I hope the next year is a bit more straightforward."

The council is also appealing for people to come forward and fill the four vacant seats on the authority.

You must be a Shipston resident to become a councillor and applications need to be in by June 2. Call 01608 662180 for more information.