CHARD’S mayor is set to hold his first event since being given the chain.

Cllr Garry Shortland has organised a community get together on June 18 from 2pm as part of the Great Get Together to pay tribute to the late MP Jo Cox.

All over the country, many towns and groups will be organising get togethers to bring communities closer and celebrate all that unites us.

Cllr Shortland's official robing ceremony was held on Sunday, and Wednesday saw him celebrate the 150th birthday of Lloyd's bank's Chard branch.

Naomi Long, Bank Manager at the Chard branch said: “It’s fantastic to be here to celebrate our 150th anniversary with our staff and customers. 

"It’s amazing to the think that you can trace our branch in Chard back so far and to think how much things have changed over the last 150 years.

"Even with the developments in online and mobile banking, the branch has always remained here and we all look forward to continuing to serve our customers here in Chard.”

This weekend brings the Mayor’s own event, Chard’s Great Get Together, hosted at Chard Museum between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday.

This event is in memory of the late Jo Cox, and hopes to bring the community together.

There will be light refreshments served, children’s games and crafts. This is a free event and everyone is welcome.

The mayor of Chard has also set up a new facebook page so people can keep up to date with what he is doing, and get in touch.

Click here to see the Mayor of Chard page.