A new pair of feet has stepped into the shoes of Colchester's first citizen.

Mayor Nigel Chapman has hung up his robes and handed over the chain of office to his successor at a special ceremony at the town hall.

New mayor Chris Hall

Councillor Chris Hall (Lib Dem, Castle) was voted into the role by his fellow councillors at the ceremony.

Mr Chapman said: "It has been a marvellous year. I have thoroughly enjoyed all that I have done. "

"The diversity of it all is great. No two days are alike and it is that diversity that makes it so enjoyable."

Dr Hall, 64, has been deputy mayor this year and was anticipating a busy 12 months.

He said: "I am looking forward to it very much. It will be great fun meeting so many people in the town."

He said he had completed about 200 engagements as deputy mayor but expected to be doing about 800 during his mayoral year.

He said his medical background meant he wanted to support health-based charities during his year of office, including ones for the disabled.

Published Monday, May 19, 2003

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