FOR the first time, this year the mayor of Salisbury will be accompanied to functions and events by a mayoral Scout and Guide.

Mary Ball, from Downton Ranger Guides, and Christopher Baker, from Harnham Explorer Scouts, will act as assistants to the mayor at official functions and receptions.

The mayor, Bobbie Chettleburgh, said: “It is a lovely idea to include local scout and guide groups in such an important role, this generation is the future of the city and I hope that having a mayoral scout and guide is going to become a tradition for the Mayor of Salisbury.”

As well as being the mayoral scout, Christopher is also part of the fundraising committee for the mayor’s chosen charity, Children’s Chance. The charity aims to enable children to take part in activities, such as piano lessons and tennis coaching, that would otherwise be denied them.

Christopher said: “I was hesitant at first at taking such an important position, but I’m glad I had the courage to put myself forward for the role. I hope by being the Mayoral Scout and serving on the committee I can give the charity more publicity especially with the children of Salisbury.”

There are fundraising events planned throughout the year and a grand prize to entice schools and youth groups to raise as much as possible.

For full details on the events and grand prize, send a SAE to The Mayor’s Appeal 2009/10, c/o 47 Middle Street, Harnham, Salisbury, SP2 8LW.