COLCHESTER will welcome its next mayor at a traditional ceremony on Wednesday.

Residents are invited to join in the annual mayor making celebration at Colchester Town Hall.

All councillors will dress in robes to formally vote for the new mayor and deputy mayor, Peter Chillingworth.

His wife Ann Chillingworth, will become mayoress.

The new deputy mayor will be councillor Nick Cope and his wife, Elizabeth Cope, will be deputy mayoress.

Mr Chillingworth will be Colchester’s 186th mayor.

The ceremony, starting at 10am, will see the new mayor declare his theme for the year and name six charities which will benefit from fundraising.

The outgoing mayor, councillor Gerard Oxford, will hand over the mayoral robes and badge to Mr Chillingworth after speeches of thanks.

Following formal acceptance, the newly elected mayor will then hand the deputy mayor’s robes and badge to Mr Cope.

Councillors will then adjourn to approve membership of the year’s committees and panels, hear nominations for chairmen and deputy chairmen, and other items of business.

Mr Chillingworth said: “Being nominated as mayor is such an honour and a wonderful opportunity to meet communities across the borough.

“I very much look forward to taking on the role and all of the good work we can achieve in the year ahead.

“It will be my real pleasure to share this formal occasion with everyone who is able to attend.”

The Town Watch will greet arriving guests, including representatives from Colchester Garrison and the new mayor’s nominated charities, and other civic dignitaries.