ST Bartholomew's Church was filled for the pageantry of Royal Wootton Bassett's mayor making ceremony, attended by dignitaries from many parts of the county last Wednesday evening.

As well as the official installation of the new mayor Ian Ferries, the event featured the election of the deputy mayor Mary Champion, who was accompanied by her consort, her 17-year-old granddaughter Alice Davey.

The vicar, the Rev Vicki Burrows, is the new mayor's chaplain. Town Crier and Sword Bearer, Owen Collier, who was re-appointed, was accompanied in the procession by Junior town crier Tom Gahan.

Tribute was paid to the retiring mayor Sue Hughes, for her work in the council and the wider community during her year of office.

Excellent entertainment was provided by Wootton Bassett Brass Band, piper Sam Wright and the Cantanti Choir. Refreshments were served by town council staff. Donations were welcomed for the new mayor's chosen charity, Help for Heroes, whose representative Richard Lupton, spoke about the charity's continuing efforts to transform the lives of injured service personnel.