THE MAYOR of Wantage has announced he will be stepping down next week.

StJohn Dickson, who has been in post for a year, is expecting to hand over the reigns to his deputy, Steve Trinder.

Mr Dickson said he had loved his year serving the town and added it would be "wonderful" to have the wonky wall of Wallingford Street repaired before he left.

The Newbury Street resident said he was stepping down from the role to spend more time working on his business, graphic design company CD Associates, but would continue to sit on Wantage Town Council.

He told the Herald: "I have to consider my own business, but you never know – I might be back again.

"I've absolutely loved my year as mayor, I love serving the town.

"This year has been a year of consolidation: we have done an awful lot in recent years getting the town back on its feet, we are now looking to the future with the neighbourhood plan it is all about building for the future."

Mr Dickson, whose wife Charlotte previously served as Mayor of Wantage, said he had every confidence that Mr Trinder would do the job justice.

He said: "I think Steve will be a fantastic, he is dedicated to the town and that is what it takes.

"His family live here, he knows lots of people, he is thoroughly nice guy and totally committed. I think he could be absolutely outstanding."

Mr Dickson will say farewell and thanks to his friends and supporter at the annual mayor's ball on Friday night, and will officially hand over the reigns to Mr Trinder – if he decides to take them – on Monday.