Theresa Jordan has become Wallingford's 598th mayor - and the tenth woman to receive the historic robes and insignia of office.

Theresa Jordan Cllr Jordon, pictured above, was sworn in at a traditional mayor-making ceremony in the town hall attended by fellow town councillors and guests.

A former pupil of Wallingford School, Cllr Jordan, 48, has lived in the town since she was a

child.

She was elected to the town council as an Independent in 1997, and served last year as deputy mayor.

In her acceptance speech she said she felt "greatly honoured" and would endeavour to carry out her mayoral duties "with dignity and a sense of humour".

She added: "Let's all spread the message that Wallingford is a great place to work, live, play and visit."

Cllr Betty Atkins was named as the new deputy mayor.

The formalities ended with the Loving Cup Ceremony. In a circle, councillors, Freemen, Aldermen Emeritus and the new mayor's chaplain, the Rev David Rice, took it in turns to stand back-to-back and drink Benedictine liqueur from a 1678 chalice, signifying that they would protect each other in office.

The out-going mayor, Denis Strange, received a vote of thanks for his "tireless efforts" over the past year.

**Picture: Kevin Harvey