UPTON-upon-Severn has a new mayor after Coun Roger Barker was unanimously elected by fellow councillors on Tuesday night.

At the town council's first full meeting since the tragic death of Ernie Holder, they also voted for Coun Eric White to replace Coun Barker as deputy mayor.

This was despite a motion by Coun Simon Wilkinson that the position should be left vacant until next year, which was only supported by two other councillors.

Coun Barker paid tribute to the memory of Coun Holder by holding a minute's silence before the meeting began.

"Ernie never forgave me for putting him forward for mayor and now he's got his own back, " he said.

"I will try to do my best for him and for Upton. He will be a very hard act to follow."

A framed photo of Coun Holder was officially donated by his family to the council at the meeting. It was hung on the wall of the council chamber.

There will not be a by-election to fill the seat left vacant by Coun Holder as no nominations have been received.

Nominations for co-option are being taken until October 8, with the new member voted in at the full meeting the following day.