Two mayors have been voted in to serve their towns.

Labour's Dr David Giaretta was elected mayor of Didcot, while, antiques dealer David Harveyhas started a second term as mayor of Witney.

Labour's Dr David Giaretta with his wife Pip

Dr Giaretta, 51, who succeeds Ian Townsend as mayor, is an astrophysicist at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, where he is head of software for the Starlink project, providing software for astronomers.

He received an MBE for services to space science in the Queen's New Year Honours, and has been a member of international committees, including chairman of an international standards panel, comprising representatives of all the major space agencies.

Dr Giaretta was first co-opted as a Labour councillor on the town council in 1997, and was elected to South Oxfordshire District Council in May. He is secretary of Didcot Labour Party.

Mrs Giarette, who was formerly a town councillor, has multiple sclerosis, and both she and her husband have been active members of the MS Society.

They have two daughters.

Labour's Dr Nick Hards was elected deputy mayor.

Didcot Methodist Minister the Rev Tim Dibble was appointed mayor's chaplain. Meanwhile, Mr Harvey, who moved his family business WR Harvey from Bond Street, London, to Corn Street in Witney in 1996, was mayor of the town two years ago.

The mayoress will be his partner Chrissie Curry, who was elected to the town council for the first time at the May elections.

Mr Harvey, who is also a West Oxfordshire district councillor, said: "I had a fantastic time last time when I was mayor and met so many different and exciting people from all walks of life in the town. We've achieved a lot in the town in the last four years and intend to build on it.

"One of the main complaints we get is about litter and I want to increase people's awareness so they take pride in the town."