PERSHORE'S mayor, Councillor Elizabeth Turier, has been forced to step down due to ill health.

Town councillors accepted her resignation with regret at last Thursday's meeting, which she was unable to attend.

Members agreed deputy mayor coun John Grantham should become acting mayor until the next full council meeting on November 16, when he will be installed as mayor and the election of a new deputy considered.

Coun Grantham said he had been aware coun Turier had been unwell since she was unable to attend the town's civic service at Pershore Abbey on October 8.

He added: "I'm quite prepared to take on the responsibilities but I do so with regret and sadness."

Last Friday coun Turier said: "I've been overwhelmed with the response of the townsfolk and want to thank everyone who has contacted me with their love and best wishes.

"I want to thank councillors and residents for their help and support while being mayor and regret that my illness has forced me to step down."

Coun Turier, who remains a town councillor, has been an active member of various organisations including Pershore Tourism Association and the heritage centre, both of which she was a founder member.

She has also been closely involved in the annual flower and craft show and the chamber of trade.

Close friend Val Wood, of Pershore Tourism Association, said coun Turier had done an awful lot for Pershore.

"She made an enormous impact in the short time she was mayor," she added.