ROYSTON’S mayor has called on the town to embrace the arrival of new residents and businesses.

Speaking at the Mayor’s Civic Reception, held at the Market Hill Rooms on Friday, Cllr Lindsay Davidson said: “Royston must not only look back to its past but also to its exciting future in the 21st Century and this I think it is doing.

“We are a growing town with many new people and businesses coming to live and work here, who we must welcome with open arms.

“Whatever lies ahead for Royston and for our nation and all of us as individuals, I for one have every faith and confidence that we will rise to the challenge in these difficult times and grow stronger for it.”

The civic reception was attended by 150 guests, who enjoyed a performance from the Roysia and Greneway Middle School choirs. A raffle raised �400 for the mayor’s charities.

Cllr Davidson also used her speech to praise the impact volunteers have had in the town, particularly during the London 2012 Olympic activities.

“I have found many new unsung heroes working quietly away in Royston and doing amazing things,” she said.