THE new mayor of Thornbury has appointed four consorts to accompany her during her year in office.

Cllr Phyllida Parsloe was elected as the town mayor on Tuesday, May 8 and on accepting the job introduced the young people, all sixth form students at Marlwood School, to the rest of the council.

A mayor's consort is usually a spouse, partner or close friend but during her last term as leader of Thornbury in 2009, she took the unprecedented step of nominating youths from Castle School as her escorts to official engagements.

Cllr Parsloe said that as it had been a positive experience, she decided to continue the tradition and select pupils from Marlwood.

Her consorts for 2012/2013 are Laura Ottley, Hannah Swann, Eddie Harris-Lee and John Clarke.

"When I was mayor last time, because my family live a long way away, I went to the Castle School and asked if they could find me some consorts," she told the Gazette.

"They were excellent. It was a good experience for them."

Head of post-16 at Marlwood School, Trish Rosevear, said: "We are delighted with the opportunity for our students to work closely with the newly elected Thornbury mayor.

"This will certainly support them in gaining skills required for their future in higher education and employment."