INDEPENDENT councillor Robert Steemson is the new chairman of Teignbridge Council.

Cllr Steemson, who represents Haytor, has spent more than 40 years working with the Dartmoor National Park Authority and has been involved in the organisation of the annual Ten Tors event.

Council leader Richard Keeling (Lib Dem, Chudleigh) said the new chairman had ‘plenty of patience and diplomacy’.

Cllr Steemson told fellow councillors: ‘It is an honour.’

Cllr Jack Major (Lib Dem, Ashburton and Buckfastleigh) was chosen as deputy council chairman for the coming year.

Cllr Keeling said: ‘He is one of our youngest councillors, and we need younger councillors.

‘We need fewer older men and women and more youth on this council.’

Cllr Major said he hoped for ‘a good and productive year for the whole of Teignbridge’.

Retiring chairman Cllr Rosie Dawson (Lib Dem, Dawlish North East) reflected on her year in office and said: ‘I have met so many wonderful residents and have received a warm welcome everywhere I have been.’