Mayor and dragon boat race take centre stage (From Worcester News)

Mayor and dragon boat race take centre stage

6:00am Monday 22nd June 2009 in Video By Lucy Tatchell

TWO major events took place in Worcester yesterday.

Hundreds of spectators lined the river Severn during the afternoon to watch 26 teams compete in a dragon boat race.

Earlier in the day Worcester’s new mayor Council-lor Andy Roberts was officially welcomed into the city’s most privileged civic position.

At 10.10am the annual civic parade of councillors and representatives from the police and fire service walked from the Guildhall to Worcester Cathedral.

Here the civic service, led by the Dean of Worcester the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, was attended by community groups, local clubs, charities and businesses.

Speaking before the parade, Coun Roberts said: “The last month has been enormously busy; I’ve been very touched by the huge efforts local people are making to improve our communities and raise funds for charities, in spite of the challenging economic climate.

“Worcester not only has a fantastic heritage, it also has a great future ahead – I look forward to supporting all those who are working to make sure that it does.”

Later in the day, friends, colleagues and youngsters took part in the annual dragon boat race along the river.

Nigel Leigh, chief official, said: “We have got a lot more teams this year, which is great.

“That is the power of the sport, it is bringing people together.”

The event was raising money for the Worcester Carers Association, and other teams were also fund-raising for different charities.