The Mayor of Devizes, Don Jones was one of the casualties after the Conservatives took control of the town council back after 12 years.

Mr Jones was due to hand over to Coun Julian Beinhorn at the mayor making ceremony on Thursday May 17 but was hoping to continue as an ordinary councillor.

It was not to be as he was pipped for the fifth spot on the town council's north ward by Ian Hopkins, also a former mayor, who was standing as independent, having fallen out with the Labour Party over Iraq.

Mr Jones, however, can continue as mayor until he hands over to Mr Beinhorn, who was returned by a handsome majority.

Town clerk Sarah Todhunter confirmed that there are regulations in force to allow an unseated mayor or chairman to continue in post until he or she is officially replaced.

Devizes Guardians, the local residents association set up following the felling of five London Plane trees in the Market Place six years ago, has proved that it is more than a nine days' wonder.

Jane Burton topped the poll with 742 votes and will join colleagues Pete Smith and Ted East on the town council.

But with a total of nine councillors, the Conservatives now control the town council, with Labour on two, the Liberal Democrats on two, the Guardians on three and one Independent.