WITH a new mayor, deputy mayor, and work started on extending the council offices, it's all change at Verwood Town Council .

Cllr Michael Dolan has become the East Dorset town’s 19th mayor, taking over from Cllr Lucy Clark.

The Dewlands ward member has lived in the town since 1985 and runs his own business.

Mr Dolan lent a helping hand to contractor Tim Rainford in cutting turf to start work on an expansion to the council’s offices.

The “help centre” opened in 1996 to provide a facility for Verwood people to pursue enquiries and view local planning applications.

But an increasing number of visitors to the centre on Vicarage Road has left town clerk, Val Bright, and her team, needing more space.

Verwood’s new deputy mayor is Cllr Jean Hazel, who moved to the town eight years ago and was elected to serve people in the Dewlands ward on the town and district councils in 2007.