SOUTHAMPTON has a new Mayor after Linda Norris became the 793rd person to hold the position.

The Conservative councillor for Portswood was formally sworn in to her new duties at the annual mayor-making ceremony at the city's Guildhall.

She took over from Labour councillor and previous incumbent Sue Blatchford, who lost her seat in the recent local elections.

And at yesterday's ceremony she was succeeded as Sheriff by Labour Redbridge councillor Cathie McEwing, who has become the 578th person to hold the city's second ceremonial office.

The glitzy event, which was attended by dozens of councillors, dignitaries and members of the public, also saw awards handed out to other people for their services to Southampton.

Former Conservative councillor Peter Baillie, who stood down at the recent election, was named as an Alderman of the city.

And city man Geoff Wilkinson was awarded a City of Southampton Award for his efforts campaigning on disability issues over several decades - including calling for an accessible footbridge at Southampton Airport Parkway railway station.

There was also music provided by the Richard Taunton Sixth Form College's jazz band.