A CENTURIES old tradition has been re-enacted to welcome Harwich’s new mayor.

Councillor Alan Todd put on the red mayoral robes and gold regalia for the first time yesterday after being selected to take on the role and paraded to St Nicholas’ Church for an annual service.

A formal council meeting in the historic Guildhall started proceedings before all councillors donned ceremonial robes to walk to the church.

After the service, the mayor and his mayoress, Sylvia Todd, returned to the Guildhall to toss specially baked kitchels from the balcony to dozens of excited children waiting below in Church Street.

This is Mr Todd’s first term as mayor and he is eager for the challenge ahead.

“I am really looking forward to it,” he said. “I was only elected to the council three years ago and I am so proud to have been asked to take up the position."