ANTI-WAR protesters lobbied civic leaders and city councillors in a peaceful demonstration at the historic ceremony to appoint York's new Lord Mayor, as reported in later editions yesterday.

Eight members of York Against The War (YATW) were outside the Mansion House in St Helen's Square, to protest as the civic procession appeared yesterday.

They were calling on members of the new-look City of York Council to sign a postcard which makes demands on York's MP Hugh Bayley about post-war Iraq.

The card, which will later be presented to Mr Bayley, calls on him to demand an end to British occupation of Iraq, an end to war and the provision of more money for public services.

YATW spokesman Bob Looker said: "No councillors have signed yet, and I am not expecting a huge number to do so, but some councillors did support the anti-war movement in York."

His wife, Janet, ex-city council education chief, was one high-profile councillor to publicly speak out against the war.

Mr Looker said: "Signing is a matter for individual councillors, but I am hoping some will stick their heads above the parapet today.

"The slogan 'welfare not warfare' is extremely appropriate here. Schools and hospitals for the people of York, should be a priority, not dropping bombs on the schools, hospitals and people of Iraq."

Just yards from the demonstration, the Guildhall was packed as the centuries' old ceremony saw Chas Hall elected as York's new Lord Mayor, and Keith Orrell elected as Sheriff of York.

The outgoing Lord Mayor, Coun David Horton, thanked everyone who had supported him and the Lady Mayoress, Kathleen Gibson, during his year in office.

He also paid tribute and led a minute's silence in honour of former Lord Mayor Jack Birch, who died last month.

New council leader Steve Galloway then nominated Coun Hall for the role of Lord Mayor, seconded by Coun David Wilde.

Coun Hall said: "It is a real honour to be elected to this post."

The new Lord Mayor nominated the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Third World eyesight charity, Sightsavers, as his charities for the year.

Coun Horton was elected deputy Lord Mayor. The Rev Richard Harrison was named Lord Mayor's chaplain.

Updated: 09:36 Friday, May 23, 2003