THE “youngest mayoress Harwich has ever had” and her father threw kitchels to crowds below as part of the town’s mayor-making ceremony.

Harwich’s new mayor Charlie Powell, has lived in the town for half a century and said he cannot think of a better place to call home.

The 69-year-old will be joined on his mayoral duties by his 18-year-old daughter Kate Powell who he believes is the youngest mayoress Harwich has ever had.

Mr Powell said: “This is my first time as mayor and it’s something I have thought about doing for a long time so it is an honour to represent the town and do what I can for Harwich and Dovercourt.

“I am very much a Harwich person and I have lived here for the past 50 years and have been on the council and worked in the bus industry for 35 years.

“Harwich is the place I love and it is full of fantastic people.”

Mr Powell said it is the history of the town and the amount of activities in Harwich that make it so great.

“The town has so many events and there is something here for everybody from church services to the Harwich Festival, and I am proud to be part of Harwich,” he said.

His daughter Kate has taken up the role of mayoress just two days after turning 18.

Her mum, Mr Powell’s wife Fiona, has work commitments as a teaching assistant so Kate stepped up to become mayoress.

Mr Powell said: “Kate is in college and she gets a long time off for the summer holidays.

“She thinks it will be nice to encourage youngsters in the town to get involved with the council and community issues.”

Mr Powells has stepped into the shoes of fellow Harwich town councillor John Brown.

After speeches, the new mayor marched in his robes to St Nicholas’ Church for a special service yesterday, before taking part in the unique custom of kitchel-throwing.

He threw the buns to a crowd of children as part of a tradition dating back more than 400 years.