NOT everybody welcomes civic pomp and ceremony.

But York's Lord Mayors earn their crust.

They are ambassadors for the city. But they also raise money for good causes.

The last Lord Mayor, Ian Gillies, raised £70,000 during his year in office: money which has gone to a host of local charities from York Against Cancer to a scout group and York Normandy Veterans.

It was a great effort - and a great boost to some wonderful charities.