THE new Mayor of Worcester promised to serve the city to the best of his ability as he was sworn into office last night.

At a special meeting of the city council, members elected Councillor Gareth Jones as the first citizen of Worcester.

The 52-year-old, who represents St Stephen ward and who served as Deputy Mayor in 2002/03, has taken over from fellow Conservative Coun Robert Rowden.

Coun Mary Drinkwater, who persuaded him to stand for election in 1995, nominated him.

"He is a real community councillor, in the best tradition of local government," she said.

"He gets out among the people - talking to them, listening to their problems and helping them whenever he can."

Coun Stephen Inman, who was re-elected as leader of the council at the meeting, said Coun Jones was reliable and loyal to friends and colleagues.

"If I were in the surreal or fictional situation of being in the jungle it would be Gareth Jones to whom I would shout, 'I'm a councillor, get me out of here!'."

The council elected Coun Allah Ditta as Deputy Mayor for 2003/04.

Coun Francis Lankester, who nominated him, described the father-of six, as an "archetypal family man" who was always willing to help people.

The Labour group nominated Coun Geoff Williams for Mayor and, when that was lost, for Deputy Mayor.

Coun Roger Berry said that both roles were non-political and should not automatically go to members of the Conservative group.

He accused the Tories of "hogging" the role, pointing out that there had already been three Conservative Mayors in a row and that over the last eight years five Tories had held the office, but only two Labour and one Liberal Democrat.

"We are in danger of losing something about this occasion that is so important," he said.

"I am suggesting is that we do not destroy the purpose of the Mayor."

However, with no one party having overall control at the Guildhall the Tory group, which holds the most seats, currently relies on the casting vote of the Mayor to stay in power.