PEOPLE at Wallingford are being urged to smile at each other in a bid to make themselves and others feel better.

That is the message from new mayor Betty Atkins.

As she took office for the third time, she also said everyone should treat young and old with proper respect.

She said: "We have a lot of serious problems to contend with in Wallingford and they will be tackled vigorously.

"But I want to see Wallingford a happier place and we can all help do that by smiling and having respect.

"Smile at people - you'll make their day, you'll feel a lot better for it yourself and it doesn't cost a penny. A smile is the best tonic in the world - it's a free gift."

She said: "Along with that, I want to see a lot more respect between people.

"Respect is very important - self-respect to start with, and then respect for people within your own age group, and respect between young and old.

"We can make Wallingford a happier place very easily by doing this."

She added: "People in Wallingford must remain vigilant to make sure that their hospital is not downgraded and does not lose its services.

"Plans for the regeneration of the town around the former Waitrose building will be actively chased up through the new partnership being formed to make sure the dream becomes a reality."

Her deputy mayor is Mike Mold and her chaplain is Wallingford's rector, Rev David Rice.

Mrs Atkins is also the Bridge Chamberlain, a nominal position harking back to the days when the chamberlain inspected and sorted out problems with the town's historic bridge.

The Bridgemen - again a nominal position going back to the days when bridgemen enforced the tolls for crossing or sailing under the bridge - are Andrew Lock and Theresa Jordan.