Ringwood'S new mayor has been appointed to a key post on New Forest Council.
Ringwood North member Michael Thierry joins the council's ruling Cabinet as portfolio holder for environment. He will oversee several services, including public toilets, refuse collection and recycling.
The post was previously held by Marchwood member Nick Smith, who committed suicide in January.
Born in Guernsey, Cllr Thierry moved to the UK in 1968 and settled in the New Forest in 1983.
He owns the Ringwood and Fording-bridge News and lives in Poulner with his wife Gillian.
He said: "I am committed to protecting the environment of the New Forest and to preserving it for future generations."
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