NEIL BAXTER has become the 806th Mayor of Winchester - and the first Scot to take on the role.

After a trumpet fanfare, played by his nine-year-old grandson, Matthew, the grandfather of four and Conservative member for Itchen Valley was handed the chain of office by out-going mayor, Cecily Sutton.

Despite his roots, Mr Baxter has a long-standing link with Winchester, his family moving to the area in 1980, when Mr Baxter became UK corporate affairs manager with international company, Eli Lilly.

Born in Rutherglen, near Glasgow, Mr Baxter trained as a physiotherapist before moving into the pharmaceutical industry.

In a year which "had not been without sadness", following the death of his wife, Margaret, after nearly 50 years of marriage, he said he had been grateful for the love and support of his family.

His escort for mayoral functions will be his daughter, Karen Cockcroft. Sue Nelmes was nominated deputy mayor.

Describing his appointment as daunting, but an "honour", Mr Baxter said he was keen to work with people on conserving the character of the district and finding a way for young people to get on the property ladder. "I'm interested in protecting our heritage for our children and grandchildren."

l After the mayor-making, the council agreed committee appointments for the following year. A ballot was held among members to elect the cabinet after Patrick Davies, Labour group leader, objected that he was not among the nominees.

Mr Davies protested that the city cabinet was dominated by Lib-Dems, but, after the vote, Mr Davies was not elected. Later, he said the cabinet structure was unfair: "It has more and more powers and most decisions rest with one group."