IN a packed ceremony at Winchester Guildhall, Cllr Richard Izard became the city’s 811th mayor.

At the same event, the freedom of Winchester was granted to Professor Martin Biddle, the first person to receive the honour since 1987.

Cllr Izard, who represents Colden Common and Twyford, takes over from Lib Dem colleague, Cllr Dominic Hiscock.

During his 12 months in the historic office – which is Britain’s second oldest and dates to the 1190s – a record figure of more than £50,000 was raised for the charities chosen by Cllr Hiscock.

He selected the Trinity Centre at Durngate and Emmaus Hampshire at Bar End, which both help the homeless in Winchester.

Cllr Izard, who also chairs Colden Common Parish Council and is a member of the village’s music and drama group, named his charities at the handover.

The married father-of-three chose Help for Heroes and the Winchester Live at Home scheme.

He also selected the Joe Glover Trust, launched in memory of the eight-year-old from Colden Common who lost his battle with cancer in 2006.

Cllr Izard, who will be joined on many engagements by his wife, Elaine, as mayoress, said he was following in his father’s footsteps.

He was mayor of Sutton in London from 1977 to 1979, but unlike his son, was a Conservative.

“It’s a shame my parents, who became mayor and mayoress of the London borough of Sutton in Silver Jubilee year, are unable to see me now, but they would be so proud,” said Cllr Izard.

He added: “Sadly I will be too busy to take part in the Colden Common pantomime this year, and it’s Dick Whittington.”

Cllr Barry Lipscomb, Conservative member for Wonston and Micheldever, was then named as the new deputy mayor.

At the same ceremony on Wednesday, May 19, Prof Biddle was saluted for his work in uncovering the city’s history.

The fruit of those efforts – The Winchester Studies – has helped to secure his reputation as a leading expert on archaeology.

In his acceptance speech he paid tribute to his wife, Birthe, who worked alongside him and died from cancer in January.

Prof Biddle said: “I never conceived that this day or this honour would come. It’s the highest honour to be given the freedom of our ancient capital.”

Barbara Carpenter Turner, who was twice mayor, was previously the most recent person to receive the freedom of Winchester.