Becoming vice-chairman of Devon County Council meant two things for Douglas Hull — a rapid weight increase and revealing that he is dyslexic.

Since accepting the vice-chairmanship in May, he has attended a wide range of events throughout the county in his official capacity.

Between May 23 and June 22, for example, his diary has had no less that 20 engagements scheduled.

These included a foster care awards ceremony in Exeter, an arts forum in Teignmouth, a children’s play day in Axminster, an ambulance delivery in Exmouth and so on.

But the events brought temptation, and the vice-chairman fell for it.

He explained: “There are finger buffets all over the place. To my great horror I discovered that I was standing there and consumed numerous bits of buffet and I put on four pounds.

“I have put in place measures and am now back at my original trim 16 stone and I mean to keep it there or under. I now ask for a glass of water and carefully select the nicest looking piece of food, consume it and stop.”

The food is obviously nice, but what does he like best about the vice- chairmanship?

He replied: “Going out to say thank you to community organisations, to say thank you to the numerous people who keep the county going by voluntary work.

“I must admit I didn’t expect it to be quite as busy as it was. Between the chairman and the vice-chairman it is a full time occupation.

“I have been tearing around the county, mostly in my own vehicle but sometimes with the County Council chauffeur — so my neighbours are now getting used to seeing a limo arrive.”

So, limo and everything, does his new role serve an important purpose or is it just a bit of a show-off or even a gravy train?

His reply was: “It is not a gravy train. You do get a little extra on your County Council expenses but I have set money aside and it is all going into a trust for dyslexic children in Axe Valley - money that I have made as a councillor and private money as well.

“I’ve started off already by giving money from my county committee budget. Each of the schools within my county seat has been offered £250 to buy equipment to help children affected by dyslexia.”

His dyslexia first reached the public domain this spring during the County Council vice-chairmanship nomination process when fellow councillor Margaret Rogers made the revelation.

This interview had so far been carried out in an easy-going and humorous atmosphere. But the issue of dyslexia clearly had an impact on Mr Hull, who suddenly got serious and even needed a brief moment to compose himself before saying: “I have fought dyslexia all my life. I feel that with the equipment we have now, children can be helped at an early age.

“Nobody knew anything about it when I was young. You were just classified as a dimwit.

“I have fought in different ways to overcome my problems. I have kept it hidden but I owe it to the children that I should talk about it. Why should they suffer like I did? It’s been hell.”

The trust for dyslexic children is currently being set up, and more information will become available in due course.

In the meantime, vice-chairman Hull will continue to try and avoid temptation when confronted by finger buffets.

Other Articles by Councillor Hull: