Abingdon's ancient links with Kensington and Chelsea were reinforced when the mayors took part in a parade and church service at St Helen's in the town.

The mayor of Abingdon, Alison Rooke, centre right, accompanied the mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Warwick Lightfoot, left, both of whom were flanked by their mace bearers.

In the procession were three Freeman of Abingdon and five former mayors, along with town councillors.

The links between the two councils go back to the early 1100s when the large Benedictine Abbey of Abingdon was a power in the land.

The Abbot Faritius had medical knowledge and treated Geoffrey de Vere, eldest son of Aubrey de Vere, who held the manor of Kensington.

He was taken to Abingdon for treatment but died. Before his death he granted the Abbot his church and some land in Kensington, although the deeds were lost when the monastries were dissolved under Henry VIII.

The early connection between the two communities was revived with an exchange of visits between the mayors in the early 1950s. Next year, Abingdon's mayor will visit the London borough.