A NEW mini-mayor has been elected to oversee Wokingham.

Caitlyn Hyde, from St Paul's Junior School, will join big-mayor Councillor Peter Lucey on official mayoral business.

A mini mayor attends, among other events, the heritage open day, winter carnival, dressing the Christmas tree and the May fayre.

All local junior schools are invited to nominate two year 5 pupils to be considered for the position.

Nominated children wrote a letter of introduction to the Mayor, and this year’s seven finalists - from Westende, St Paul’s, Hawthorns and Emmbrook Junior Schools - attended a tea party with the Mayor before this year’s mini-mayor was selected.

Put forward by headteacher Julieanne Taylor, Caitlyn shared in her letter that she has an interest in people who serve in public office and serve the community and a keen interest in trying to get children more active.

Cllr Lucey said: “It was lovely to read all the letters and meet the seven excellent finalists at the Town Hall for tea.

"All the finalists would have made excellent Mini-Mayors and it was very hard choosing just one. My thanks to them and to their parents and schools.

"It was fascinating chatting to the children, finding out about their interests, and of course their views on Wokingham. We will take their comments to heart.

“Caitlyn has a lovely personality that will serve her well in this role and a wonderful sense of humour which will no doubt keep me on my toes.

"Caitlyn told me that one of her teachers calls her ‘a little ray of Wokingham sunshine’ and I can totally see why.”