CIVIC dignitaries processed along Worcester High Street for a service at the cathedral to welcome the new mayor.

Mayor of Worcester David Tibbutt and Mayoress Jane Tibbutt were accompanied by former mayors of Worcester and mayors and chairmen from neighbouring local authorities.

Also present were Lord Lieutenant Michael Brinton, the honorary recorder Judge Alistair McCreath and representatives from the police and fire service.

City community groups, support groups, local clubs, charities, schools and businesses were also invited.

The procession walked from the Guildhall to Worcester Cathedral for a 10.30am service conducted by the Dean, the Very Rev Peter Atkinson.

He spoke about the challenges facing the city as it strived to make plans for its future.

He also highlighted the Worcester News and Worces-ter City Council’s current campaign for more people to take pride in the city.

In his sermon, he also spoke of the importance of community and said: “It is in community, in relation to other people, that we find our potential as human beings.

“It is in giving and receiving, in loving and being loved, in serving the needs of one another that we find our true personal fulfilment.”

Prayers were said for the city and those who serve it.

Dignitaries then returned to the Guildhall for refreshments.

Mayor of Worcester David Tibbutt said: “It has been overwhelming and fantastic today.

“I think I’ve had one of the biggest turnouts of civic dignitaries around the county that we’ve had for a long time.

“I’m particularly thrilled by the number of my colleague councillors that have turned up.

“The theme for this year is to enhance and to promote the city as much as we possibly can.

“There’s so much to be pleased about in the city and that’s what we want to promote.

“Enhancing the economy is vitally important as well.”