Local farmer and former Mayor of Axminster Mervyn Symes has married his partner of 11 years, Jackie Thomas.

They held a small service at St Margaret's Hall in Honiton, followed by a lunch at the Sidmouth Arms in Upottery.

Mervyn and Jackie then spent a night at the Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth before returning to their busy life running Higher Jackleigh Farm and other business interests.

Mervyn served on Axminster Town Council for 26 years and was mayor in the early 2000s.

He is a trustee of the Axminster Care Service and the Hospital League of Friends and as a big supporter of the Royal British Legion he co-ordinates the annual Remembrance service in Axminster, a role he has played with great dignity for many years.

He is also a long-serving Freemason and is a familiar voice in Axminster, compering the annual Carnival procession and Christmas celebrations in the town.

Both Jackie and Mervyn, who met when Jackie's father was carrying out some building work at the farm, are very supportive of St Mary's Parish Church and Jackie helps to produce the informative Pews News on the Axe Valley Mission Community website.

Jackie is also the acting secretary of Axminster Care Service.