A HISTORIC ceremony has been held,continuing Brightlingsea’s long-standing link with the Cinque Ports.

Retired deputy district judge Chris Bloor was invested as the new Deputy of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea, following his election by the community’s freemen.

At the ceremony at All Saints’ Church, he was robed and given his staff and chain of office.

He also made a declaration of allegiance to the Queen, Brightlingsea and the town's head port, Sandwich, in Kent.

The ceremony, which is always held on the first Monday in December, was preceded by a procession from the lychgate into the church, led by the Town Sergeant of Sandwich, followed by the mayor of Sandwich, both in ceremonial dress.

It was followed by a celebratory lunch for 182 guests, including civic leaders from Brightlingsea, Colchester and Tendring, in the town’s community centre.

Mr Bloor, who has lived in Brightlingsea since 1973, said: “The church was packed with freemen for Choosing Day, and I felt quite apprehensive, but there was so much goodwill. I was playing to a home crowd.

“I was nervous, but I didn’t need to have worried.

“I’m proud to be keeping Brightlingsea on the map. It is a huge privilege to be chosen as Deputy of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea.”

During his year in office, Mr Bloor, accompanied by his wife, Nola, who bears the title, Lady Deputy, will promote the history of Brightlingsea and its parish church, raise money for good causes and do other work in the community.

Mr Bloor is a former choirmaster to churches of St James with All Saints, and has played the organ for the past five years.

He is also a member of the church’s occasional choir, the St James Singers, and also regularly visits the town’s Quenby care home to entertain the residents.

With producer Owen Collins, Mr Bloor also founded the Brightlingsea Operatic Group, of which he was musical director for nine years.

His wife, a former marriage guidance counsellor and family mediator, is co-founder of Brightlingsea’s popular Christmas Tree Festival, now in its ninth year.