A popular community figure, described as 'an exceptional and brave man' by colleagues, has come to the end of his sixth term as mayor and has stood down as a councillor for Looe as he continues his battle against cancer.

Former Looe mayor Ron Overd, who was diagnosed with cancer of the lung and liver in February 2008, described his last year as mayor as one of 'sadness, gladness and, at times, madness'.

The council chambers in the town were packed with members of the public – including more than a dozen youngsters from St John Ambulance – to see his successor, Michael Joy, being sworn in as the new mayor and another former mayor of the town, cllr Wally Scarah, being appointed as deputy mayor.

Mr Overd said: 'After a great deal of soul-searching, I am resigning from the town council. Regretfully I have come to the decision that is is time to go.

'My thanks go to everyone who has helped me in my troubled years as mayor and those who stood in when I was away. We wish you all well for the future. Goodbye, God bless and thank you all.'

Speaking on behalf of the town council, who presented Mr Overd with a wooden garden bench on his retirement, cllr Rothwell said: 'He has done an outstanding job and, personally, I don't think anyone can better it. He is an extremely knowledgeable man and such a character to be with.'

Turning to Mr Overd he said: 'We will find it very difficult to replace you.'

An additional link at the back of the mayoral chain, of a bridge which was a practical and symbolic link of two halves of the town, was added at the request of Mr Overd.

Cllr Armand Toms told Mr Overd: 'Everything you have done for the town is appreciated. You and Pat should be called "Mr and Mrs Looe", because when you talk to anyone in the town your name is always on their lips.'

Among tributes Mr Overd made were those paid to former mayor Sid Gardner and Looe soldier Corporal Paul Upton, who was killed in Afghanistan.

The title of Citizen of the Year was awarded to John Grimer, a former teacher and Japanese prisoner of war who worked tirelessly to support his late wife and former councillor of the town Jean Grimer.

Mr Grimer, who insisted the award was 'undeserved', paid tribute to Jean and remembered the work she did for the town.

Cllr Edwina Hannaford said: 'I worked with Jean in her later life when her health was failing. I always took her as a mentor and role model. She was a dynamic woman and worked tirelessly for the town.'

Announcing his charity for the year as Looe RNLI, new mayor cllr Joy described it as a 'great honour' to be made mayor of the town. He said: 'Looe is the best place in the world to live. I am very proud, humbled and privileged to be your mayor.

'Ron has given an outstanding and exceptional service to the town. What a hard act to follow.'

Describing his time in office as a 'rollercoaster ride', Mr Overd was presented with a town burgess award, as was also his wife Pat, of whom mayor Joy said: 'Although having not been elected to office, Pat has been much loved by the town council and people of the town. She always has a smile on her face.'

Proposing a theme of unity for the new year, mayor Joy said issues at the top of the agenda for the coming year would include the surgery patients' carpark, extending the CCTV system in the town, parking issues, a possible designated police community support officer (PCSO) and allotments for East Looe.

He also agreed to hold a meeting about the Wooldown after concerns were raised by members of the public.

Speaking of the new mayor, Armand Toms said: 'He came to this town and got involved. He has not come in and said he will take over, he has got involved. There is nothing that is too much trouble for him. You have to set your own standards and steer your own ship.'