Richmond'S mayor has done such a good job during his year of office, a petition has been handed in requesting the town council takes the unusual step of re-electing him for another 12 months.

More than 200 people have signed the form, requesting that Councillor Stuart Parsons be allowed to keep the chains of office.

However, because elections to the town council will be held in May, the administration is not able to say if the request has been successful.

Announcing the mayor-elect before then could influence voting and the identity of the candidate chosen on Monday will therefore remain a secret until May.

Nevertheless, Councillor Parsons said he was touched by the request.

"I have had a good year and Richmond has had a good year and, no matter what happens this coming year, it will continue to have good year," he said.

As well as selecting leading members of Richmond organisations to act as his consort for a month at a time, Councillor Parsons has also impressed with his commitment to his Richmond Pride campaign.

The latest initiative to be run under its umbrella will be a litter-pick on Sunday. Anyone who would like to help tidy parts of the town is asked to meet at the Town Hall at 10am.