Mr Sayers was confirmed as mayor on Tuesday night and revealed his focus will be on engaging the youth of the town and the business community.

"In previous years, mayors have had a theme for the year and I want to uphold that tradition," said Mr Sayers. "I want to encourage youngsters to cultivate a sense of citizenship and belonging to the town. They are the future generation.

"I also want to work more closely with the business community, which plays a large part in marking Sudbury such a prosperous town."

Mr Sayers, who was born and bred in the town, knows all about the business community, having spent 50 years working at the town's Gainsborough Silk Weaving factory.

"I have a long-standing connection with the town and this is a great honour and privilege for me," he said.

Mr Sayers, who is also a district councillor for Sudbury and a parish councillor for Great Cornard, has twice been mayor before, in 2003-04 and 2004-05.

"Being mayor twice before gives me a bit of a head start," he said. "I am proud to be in this position again.

"I promise that I am not considering this as a second career – but I am very much looking forward to the year ahead."

Conservative Mr Sayers also revealed he will use his year as mayor to push for plans for regeneration of the town's bus station and Belle Vue areas to be made public.

"We must make sure that we don't lose any of our precious space at Belle Vue gardens," he said.

"We want Babergh District Council to tell us what is happening with the Civic Trust scheme for the bus station area. People are interested and hopefully we will get some answers.

"I will also be taking up the challenge of People's Park and trying to ensure that it remains as a green space."

Mr Sayers has also announced plans for a town dog show and school poetry competition.

His wife Pam will be mayoress for the year. "I am sure she will enjoy it, she carries the role very well," said Mr Sayers.

ryan.goad@sudburytoday.co.uk