SALISBURY welcomed its 757th mayor today as more than 200 guests and dignitaries attended a ceremony in St Thomas’s Church.

Cllr John Lindley, who was born and raised in the city, took the chains from Cllr Derek Brown who has served as mayor for the past year.

Cllr Lindley, who works as a civil servant for the MOD, said: “I will endeavour to work for the benefit of this city in a time of great change.

”I’m confident this city will rise to the challenge.”

The mayor’s charity will be the Alzheimer’s Society.

Cllr Lindley, whose mother and aunt suffer from the condition, said: “I look forward to working with the local group to raise vital funds that are so desperately needed for research and care.”

Mrs Joan Gordon will be Cllr Lindley’s mayoral consort for the year.

The Rev Jonathan Plows will be the mayor’s chaplain this year.

Mayoral scout will be Tim Baker the mayoral scout, with Lilah Khan as reserve.

Mere Makasiale will serve as mayoral guide and Scarlett Brooking as reserve.

The deputy mayor will be Cllr Mike Osment.

Ending his speech, Cllr Lindley said: “Ladies and gentlemen, I am truly grateful to be selected as your mayor of the city and it look forward to meeting you over the coming year.”

Outgoing mayor Cllr Brown reflected on the past year for the city council and his “enormously enjoyable and very busy” time as first citizen.

Highlights included the refurbishment of Victoria Park, the transfer of assets and services from Wiltshire Council, and replacing the roof of the Guildhall.

“And what can I say about Joey Essex switching on the Christmas lights?” Cllr Brown added.

Speaking about climbing Kilimanjaro with mayoress Penny Brown in difficult weather conditions, Cllr Brown said: “It was as if the mountain was saying to us ‘if you want to get to the top you are going to have to work really hard, but if you succeed you will have achieved something really special’.”

There was laughter when the mayor asked if there were any other nominations for deputy, and a small child called out “daddy” right on cue.

After the ceremony, a procession led back down Silver Street, Minster Street and Blue Boar Row to the Guildhall.