Having attended the town/parish council count at the Barnstaple Leisure Centre Sports Hall this afternoon I can now say that I am a South Molton Town Councillor!

Many thanks to all those who voted for me. Thanks too, to all those all who helped me in so many ways: with moral support, advice and encouragement, and in more practical ways such as paper folding and cutting!

Thanks also to the dashing white sergeant for her kindness and TLC!

Especial thanks to my wife, Alison Verney, who’s been a tower of strength and without whom I couldn’t have done this.

I can’t close this post without mentioning Max the dog, who’s companionship and antics give me joy and pleasure along with a certain amount of irritation – I’m still trying to teach him that flower pots aren’t food!