EXETER'S new deputy Lord Mayor has celebrated her appointment by breaking into song.

In scenes more akin to the West End rather than the historic Guildhall, Councillor Tess Read serenaded the city council’s annual meeting with a rendition of "Over the Rainbow".

The Green member for St David’s will serve as understudy for new Lord Mayor Kevin Mitchell during the next 12 months.

The role is ceremonial and politically neutral.

Addressing her colleagues after being appointed on Tuesday, May 16, Cllr Read said: “I am hugely proud to represent this wonderful city of Exeter. It is something that I absolutely never anticipated would happen – I can honestly say that – but I could not be more thrilled to take it on.”

The new deputy Lord Mayor, who is also a singer and runs an A cappella group in the city, later decided to round her speech off with a short song.

She chose the "Wizard of Oz" number because “dreams that you never quite knew you had really can come true.”

Sadly for Cllr Read, the deputy Lord Mayor’s regalia does not include ruby slippers.