THERE will be no excuse for Winchester's new first lady not looking her best because her official escort is the internationally-renowned hairdresser, Guy Kremer.

Sue Nelmes has asked Mr Kremer to be her civic companion as her husband, Ron, is in ill-health.

Famed for being snipper to the stars, Mr Kremer has worked with some of the most famous fashion designers, movie stars and models.

His clients have included supermodel, Naomi Campbell, Dame Shirley Bassey, Helena Christensen, the Duchess of York and comedienne, Ruby Wax.

But one of his most loyal customers for the past three decades has been Mrs Nelmes - and now he's rewarding her loyalty by helping her throughout her year in office.

"I have known Guy for 30 years, since he was based in a little shop on Bridge Street," she said.

"He used to say it would be fun to be mayor and when I said 'But you have to be a councillor," he said the next best thing would be as escort.

"So when my chance came to be mayor and my husband couldn't do it, I asked Guy.

"He's always been very good with people and is unfazed by meeting anyone."

Mr Kremer said he would be bringing his experience in fund-raising and his celebrity contacts to his new role.

He said: "I think it's really wonderful. I like to meet different people in the town and I am looking forward to supporting Sue in her charity work.

"I will be someone who she can rely on who can help get her through all the charity and other events and be there to support her."

A former council trade union official, Mrs Nelmes is the city's 807th mayor.

Fellow councillor, Simon Cook, said: "She is an unusual politician. She speaks her mind and tells it straight. She talks good sense and has a good sense of humour."

Her nominated charities are Naomi House children's hospice; the Samaritans; Basics Bank and Emmaus Hampshire.

Elected as her deputy was Labour veteran, Chris Pines, who is due next year to be the first socialist mayor since 1970.