Ledbury'S new mayor Clive Jupp says he and his wife Jill are typical of many couples who have chosen to make the town their home.

Both came to Ledbury nine years ago from Guilford, for work reasons, and both were delighted by what they found here.

Their son, Alexander, knows no other home and goes to Hillstone School in Malvern. His classmates are now keen for his dad to visit them with his chain of office.

Coun Jupp, of Pound Close, said of his appointment, and that of his wife as mayoress: "It's a great honour and not something we actively sought. I think our style will reflect the background of a lot of people who moved into town, though we hope to represent everyone."

Mrs Jupp said: "This is a lovely thing to happen in a place like Ledbury. It's such a lovely town."

Coun Jupp said he hoped he could be outward looking in tackling many of the issues facing Ledbury.

The couple believe tourism and events like the Ledbury Poetry Festival are "ever more important".

Coun Jupp said: "Herefordshire remains agricultural but there can only be fewer jobs. We have an influx of people coming in to do what we do; come here to live but go away to work."

He sees Ledbury's existing "good infrastructure," the road and rail links, as playing a vital role.

Coun Jupp works for DERA in Malvern. Mrs Jupp is employed by the Gloucestershire Family Support charity.

Coun Jupp said of the town's future: "Inevitably, there will be a lot more contact with the rest of the country".

A regular at Ledbury Cycle Forum meetings, Coun Jupp is keen to see cycle routes develop, not only for leisure in local areas but as links to major centres of employment, such as Hereford and Gloucester.

Coun Jupp entered local politics five years ago when Coun Bob Wreford suggested that Mrs Jupp should stand for the town council. She in turn nominated her husband and the rest is history.