Axminster Town Council this week co-opted five new members to fill vacancies that had existed for some time.

The council held an extraordinary meeting on Monday, in which Sarah Birnie and Alfie Brooker were co-opted to represent the Raymond's Hill ward, and Sue Brooker, Elizabeth Paice and Bernie Steadman were co-opted for the Town ward.

This means that, for the first time in its history, the town council now has more female members than male, including a female mayor and deputy mayor.

The Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, welcomed the new members onto the council, saying: "I am delighted that the vacancies have been filled, and look forward to working with the new councillors as soon as possible at a time when the council is experiencing significant change and increasing demands from residents for services and amenities."

The mayor also noted with regret the recent resignation of Ollie Tucker, who joined the council in March of this year as the authority's youngest ever councillor, but who has found the time commitments of the role to be incompatible with his studies.

Cllr Farrow thanked Ollie for his service, enthusiasm and insight and said he would be greatly missed.

Mr Tucker's resignation leaves another casual vacancy on the council. If no petition for a by-election has been received by East Devon District Council by November 12, then the town council will be asked to fill the vacancy by co-option again.