SWINDON mayor Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) restored a tradition not seen in the council chamber for more than a year when he took charge of his first Full Council meeting sporting the borough's official mayoral robes.

The tradition, which was last observed during the mayoral year of David Cox, formerly the Labour member for Toothill and Westlea, was dispensed of last year by Stan Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott) because he thought council meetings should have more of a business feel to them.

And instead of the red gown and mayoral chain he wore a pinstriped suit, which angered many councillors.

But Coun Benfield's return to tradition was greeted with a warm round of applause when Derique Montaut (Lab, Moredon) complimented him on his attire.

"I feel like I've lost three stones already," quipped Coun Benfield.