POMP and ceremony was out in full force yesterday when the 30th Mayor of Fareham was invested.

Councillor Marian Ellerton was handed the chain of office from her predecessor, Councillor Pam Bryant, making her the first citizen of the borough.

The former school teacher said she was delighted to receive the honour and told assembled guests at Ferne-ham Hall that she would do her best to serve the community of Fareham.

"This is such a great honour for me and I pledge to do my utmost best to be a worthy ambassador of the town."

Guests at the Mayor Making ceremony were told how Cllr Ellerton, a Conservative representative for the Park Gate ward, had spent her working life devoted to children with special needs while dedicating 40 years of volunteer service to the NSPCC.

That theme was carried through with her nominated charities, most of which involved young people. They included the NSPCC, Teenage Cancer Trust Units, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and raising money to provide books to children in all of Fareham's primary schools.

During her year in office Cllr Ellerton will be accompanied by her official consort, husband Peter, while Councillor David Swanbrow will take up the role of deputy mayor.

In her last duty as Mayor of Fareham Cllr Bryant paid tribute to the winners of this year's Citizen of the Year award.

Among the winners was 11-year-old Matthew Swann who despite suffering from a visual impairment continues to lead an active life taking part in school productions while raising money for charity.

Matthew, a pupil at Crofton Anne Dale School, said: "It was really cool to get the award. I was a bit nervous but excited too."

Other winners included Dr Margaret Collins who, after missionary work in India, set up a medical practice in Fareham before becoming a lay preacher.

The third winner, Muriel Alford, was unable to receive her award in person due to ill health but it was proudly collected by her two daughters, Sue Wright and Ros Warn.

Mrs Wright said: "We are so proud of her. She has literally dedicated her life to helping the elderly, from founding fitness clubs to visiting care homes across Fareham. If she could have gone on longer she would have done. We are both so very proud."

It is hoped the new mayor will be able to present Mrs Alford's award to her next week at a special ceremony at Gosport War Memorial hospital where she is recovering from a stroke.