TOWN councillors will be asked to stand as a mark of respect to the mayor before every meeting of a council.

Frinton and Walton town councillors, who usually only stand as the mayor enters the council chamber for the annual meeting, have decided to roll out the convention to every town council meeting.

Christine Turner (Tendring First, Walton) proposed the idea as a way of bringing councillors and residents in the public gallery to order for the start of each meeting.

Jan King (Tendring First, Walton) added that standing as the mayor enters the chamber will highlight the mayoral office's importance.

Residents also praised the town council for breaking with tradition to elect the town mayor for two terms instead of one.

Gladys Furminger, of Walton, said: "I have felt ever since we have had a mayor here that one year is not long enough for the mayor to do whatever it is they wish to do.

"I'm very pleased it is now two years."

Terry Allen (Tendring First, Frinton) was elected as mayor for a second consecutive term at the council's annual meeting two weeks ago.