NEARLY 800 years of history were marked yesterday when former National Hunt racehorse trainer Aubrey Tarbuck formally took up the role of His Worship the Mayor of Worcester.

The day saw 778 years of civic pride go on very public display as Worcester's new mayor acknowledged his place as the head of the Faithful City.

The full pomp and regalia of the Mayor's Procession from the Guildhall to the Cathedral involved Counc-

illor Tarbuck wearing his

civic regalia, including the chain of office, which dates from 1864.

His complement of attendants and civic officers included mace and sword-bearers and 15 mayors and civic heads from around the area, several past mayors of Worcester and the city's 35 councillors each dressed in full official black and red robes.

For Coun Tarbuck, who was a pupil at the Royal Grammar School, the procession was "the honour of a lifetime".

Despite unanimous backing from the ruling Con-servative group on the city council, his succession to the historic role was controversial on two counts: he has been a Freemason for 40 years, and he is also a councillor with Malvern Hills District Council, representing the village of Broadheath. He has also divided Worcester opinion over his personal views on hopes for the completion of the Northern Link Road.

Despite that, the former bank official says that he is keen to uphold the traditions of the past.

One firm doing just that was Teme Valley Brewery, which stuck to the age-old tradition of supplying ale for the event.

"Worcester's not called the Faithful City for nothing, and a certain nod in the direction of the past is important - a view that has no stronger defender than me," said Coun Tarbuck.