Dozens of people, including soldiers armed with bayonets, marched through the streets to honour their new mayor as he took a ride in a carriage once owned by royalty. Henry Luck reports.
00:00It's that time of year again, time for a new mayor to represent Maidstone Borough Council.
00:07People across Maidstone, including Gurkha armed with bayonets, marched across the town centre to welcome in the new mayor as part of the traditional civic parade that's taken place for over 70 years.
00:23The responsibility of a mayor here in Maidstone Borough Council is to act as an authority figure and represent the council at civic and ceremonial occasions.
00:36And they overlook meetings to make sure everything's running smoothly and regulations are met.
00:42And today's agenda meeting is one of the many that Councillor Martin Round will be overlooking for the next year.
00:51Councillor Round, who's been serving the Borough Council since 2014, will soon be included right here on this long list of Maidstone's mayors who have served throughout history.
01:04I am more proud of this being the county town. I am more proud of this being part of Kent. As much as I am proud of the fact that I represent Headcorn, Sutton Valance, Hulcombe, Borough Mallaby, East Sutton and a very big rural community of many little hamlets and suburbs.
01:26The previous Mayor and Mayor Ness were also in attendance to give their blessings for the upcoming year.
01:33I want to thank Martin. I want to thank Martin. Sorry, Mr Mayor now. Martin has supported me. We are friends at any rate and colleagues. Martin has been a wonderful Deputy Mayor. He really has supported me.
01:48And you probably may have noticed at Council meetings. He beat my eyes as well because I can't always see further down the line here.
01:57So Martin, Mr Mayor, thank you ever so much for your support. You've really been a marvellous supporter.
02:05Councillor Round will now serve as Mayor until May next year. Henry Luck for CAME TV in Maidstone.
