RETURNING for another term as mayor of Waltham Abbey, Syd Stavrou was in upbeat mood about the future of the town.

Mrs Stavrou said she was "extremely pleased and honoured" to be elected, having first served as mayor in 2000-01. She takes over from Antony Watts. Her deputy will be Stuart Pryde.

She highlighted the changes in the town since her previous term including the change from the Metropolitan Police to Essex as well as the success of the Waltham Abbey in Bloom competition.

For the year ahead Mrs Stavrou looked forward to the start of the Town Mead extension project which she said would "improve the already excellent leisure and sporting facilities" available at the site.

Mrs Stavrou added: "We're fortunate to live and work in a town that has so much to offer its residents, and so much promise yet to fulfil.

"I as mayor, and your elected members of the town council will work together with our dedicated team of officers to maximise every opportunity we are given to improve the quality and vitality of the town."