IT was a rare moment in Winchester history when one female mayor handed over century-old chains to another Mrs Mayor.

And the 816th Mayor of Winchester, Angela Clear, was all smiles as she received them from her friend and colleague, Eileen Berry.

Cllr Berry gave a charming wink as she bowed out graciously during the formal ceremony, congratulating Cllr Clear, describing her as “warm” and after her own heart.

“She is going to make a wonderful, wonderful mayor, believe me,” she added.

She handed over the mayoral jewel, ring, brooch and the keys to the city but chuckles soon emitted from the packed-out Guildhall as she tried to keep hold of the mayoral bracelet.

Cllr Clear said: “I have got to thank the residents of Wickham and Knowle for re-electing me because without them I wouldn’t be here. I must also thank Peter, my husband, for his support and understanding throughout. I had never imagined when I moved to Winchester 40 years ago this would every happen to me. Winchester has become my second home as it has played a very important role in my life.”

Her selected three charities are Countess Mountbatten hospice, Naomi House and Jacksplace and Rowans hospice.

Stephen Godfrey said of the retiring mayor: “As a result of Eileen being Eileen she emits kindness and warmth. She is not formal or stuffy and neither was her mayoralty. ‘Darling’ may not be one of the formal terms of address but it has been firmly part of the lexicon of the 815th term of office. For those of us who have come to know her, throughout her life she has faced and overcome more barriers than most could imagine.”

Cllr Berry told the annual council meeting she’d managed to raise £40,000 for her nominated charities over the last year.

“When I said I was going to bring colour and gaiety you didn't know what you were in for!” she said. “I have had a ball. I’ve loved every minute of it. I was able to give, give, and give.”

In an even rarer moment, another woman was voted into the mix as Cllr Jane Rutter was elected as deputy mayor for the forthcoming year.