A new chairman is at the helm of South Hams District Council.

At the annual council meeting held on Thursday 8 May outgoing chairman Councillor John Carter handed over the chain of office to Cllr Basil Cane, last year's vice chairman.

Replacing him as vice chairman is Cllr Melvyn Stone.

During his year in office, Cllr Cane says he looks forward to visiting the towns and parishes in the South Hams and engaging with local people as much as possible.

Cllr Cane was elected to South Hams Council in 2003, representing the Wembury and Brixton ward.

Cllr Cane and his wife Patricia have two sons. They are very involved with the local community and say they are looking forward to the civic year ahead.

During his five years as an elected member, Cllr Cane has served on a number of committees, including Development Control, Prosperity Policy Development Group and Community Policy Development Group.

Cllr Cane has chosen to support two local charities during his term in office. Benefiting from the Chairman's fundraising activities during 2008/09 will be Dame Hannah Rogers Trust in Ivybridge and St Luke's Hospice.

He said: "A friend of mine spent his last days at St Luke's hospice and received tremendous support from everyone there, which is why I have chosen to name St Luke's as one charity I will be supporting during my civic year.

"I am also going to be raising funds for Dame Hannah Rogers Trust in Ivybridge. The school does fantastic work to support children and their families and I want to do what I can to help them continue that work."

The annual council also elected the council's leader and executive group. Cllr John Tucker (West Dart) heads the 28-strong conservative group as leader, with Bill Hitchins (Bickleigh and Shaugh) continuing as deputy-leader.