AMESBURY’S newly elected mayor has wasted no time getting stuck into civic life spending her first week in office meeting dignitaries, attending community events and promoting the town.

Cllr Laura Knight was officially elected mayor of Amesbury alongside deputy mayor John Swindlehurst last week and said collaboration will be central to her year in office.

“Amesbury works best when everyone works together,” she said. “Our councillors and staff, our schools, our volunteers, our military community, our community groups, our businesses and our charities are the people who shape this town.

“I am proud to be elected as mayor and very grateful to have John Swindlehurst as deputy mayor. we are leading a team that cares about Amesbury and I am looking forward to how we can continue building our shared vision for the town together.”

Amesbury’s new mayor Laura Knight and deputy mayor John Swindlehurst. (Picture: Amesbury Town Council)

Her first week has already seen her attend mayor-making ceremonies across the county, including events for Salisbury’s new mayor Cllr Jenny Bolwell.

Cllr Knight also met the Lord Mayor of Southampton, the mayor of Bath and Wiltshire’s new High Sheriff, Dr Alex Goodwin, discussing tourism, community projects and strengthening links between towns and cities.

Away from the civic ceremonies, she also visited the ABVA Art Exhibition in Figheldean, which raised money for Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal, and praised the creativity on display from local artists.

Another highlight was seeing the Coat of Hopes community artwork as it passed through the area – a travelling climate change project stitched together by hundreds of people.

Amesbury Town Council members. (Picture: Amesbury Town Council)

Reflecting on her opening days as mayor, Cllr Knight described it as “a good start to the year and a reminder of how much work is taking place across local communities every day.”