ON a beautifully sunny autumn day the Civic Service was held for Newton Abbot mayor, Cllr Mike Joyce.
Around 80 people attended St Paul’s Church, Devon Square, on Sunday afternoon for the service which this year had the theme of health and well being.
Guests at the annual event, organised by Newton Abbot Town Council, included dignitaries from Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council.
Mayors from towns across the district were also there including from Teignmouth, Dawlish, Ashburton and Chudleigh as well as the chairman of Kingskerswell Parish Council and the mayor of neighbouring Torbay Council.
Also there were members of the Royal British Legion, Scouts, Salvation Army, HMS Triumph and Police.
Cllr Joyce, along with his wife, Sue, said: ‘It was absolutely brilliant, a lovely afternoon and well attended, enjoyed by all.
‘Sue and I were thrilled with the whole day.
‘Events like this don’t just happen so thanks to the town hall staff for organising it.’
The Mayor’s chaplain, the Rev Ben Maynard, led the service which included prayers and hymns and songs performed by Choir 86.
The collection after the service raised money for his charity of the year Horsemanship for Health, based in Milber, which deals with mental health through equine and animal assisted education. Cllr Joyce said it was appropriate as Sunday was national Mental Health Day.