A FANFARE of brass instruments and formal garments heralded the swearing in of the next Lord Mayor of York.

Coun Brian Watson became the town's first citizen, taking over from outgoing Lord Mayor Coun Irene Waudby.

The ceremony was conducted in the city's historic Guildhall building and saw councillors, bedecked in the formal robes, joining with a host of civic dignitaries for the event.

Coun Watson, the first man to hold the position for five years, was proposed for the role by Coun Janet Looker and seconded by Coun Jamieson-Ball.

Coun Watson, a keen sports fan and supporter of York City FC and York City Knights, said he was keen to see a new stadium provided for both York City FC and York City Knights RLFC during his time in office.

"I would like to be involved in the planning for the stadium for both the city's football club and rugby club.

"This city deserves a football club and deserves a rugby club and it deserves good ones.

"If I can be used in any way to raise support for that I will be pleased to do so."

The meeting also saw the swearing in of the new sheriff Coun David Wilde, taking over from Coun Keith Hyman.

Coun Wilde said he was very much looking forward to taking on the new role.

He said: "I am here to represent the city and will do my best as ambassador of the city."

Outgoing Lord Mayor Irene Waudby spoke of her pride at having served a second term in the role.

She cited her charity work as the highlight of her year and spoke proudly of the more than £45,000 raised for both the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society and Martin House.

Elsewhere the Labour group's hopes of regaining control of the council were dashed when councillors voted to retain the Liberal Democrat executive, with 25 councillors backing the motion.

Coun Watson also announced his charities for the year, the York branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the Upstage Centre Youth Theatre.