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

It is the second time Alan has been elected as mayor.

He first served in 2014 when he made history.

By following his brother Keith, who was mayor in 1988, it was the first time siblings had both held the town position.

Alan, who will be joined on his mayoral duties with his wife Sylvia as mayoress, said he is humbled to be mayor again.

He said: “It’s always an honour and a privilege to be mayor and to me the councillors having faith in me is so important.

“It is the second time I have become mayor and it is all about doing my bit for the town.”

Harwich Town councillor and Tendring councillor Ivan Henderson has become deputy mayor for the year.

The annual mayor-making event saw Alan take up his position following a meeting at the Guildhall, a short parade along Church Street, and a civic ceremony at St Nicholas’ Church.

After the ceremony, he made his way back to the Guildhall, in Church Street, where he threw sweet buns – known as kitchels – from a window to waiting children below.

The unique Harwich tradition of kitchel-throwing has been taking place for more than 400 years. The buns originate from Suffolk when, at Christmas time, it was the custom for children to visit their godparents.