Councillor Rosemary Rowe has been voted in as the new chairman of South Hams District Council succeeding Rufus Gilbert to the post who is standing down after a year in office.

Councillor Mrs Rowe was first elected to South Hams District Council in 1995 and has many years of experience as a member of the council.

No stranger to the post - she was Chairman in 1999-2000 and served on most groups and committees within the authority over the years. She was Chairman of the Environment Scrutiny Committee for four years prior to being elected Vice-Chairman of Council for the past year.

Councillor Rowe represents the East Dart Ward which includes the parishes of Stoke Gabriel, Littlehempston and part of Berry Pomeroy.

She lives in Stoke Gabriel where she works in the family business with her husband and son. She has lived in the South Hams for most of her life and her interests include farming and the countryside. She is a member of the local Women’s Institute in Stoke Gabriel.

Cllr Rowe's chosen charity is ShelterBox who provide emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies to families around the world who are affected by disasters.