THE CHAINS of office were passed on to new hands yesterday as mayor-making ceremonies were held in Hampshire.

First citizens were sworn in to towns and cities across the county including Lymington, Romsey, Winchester and Gosport.

Shortly after taking office Romsey's new mayor, schoolteacher Jill Gethin, promised to promote the town and champion volunteers.

She announced she wanted to promote Romsey as a "market" town. "I feel it is vital Romsey retains its identity," said the town's First Citizen, adding she was "privileged and honoured" to become mayor.

Miss Gethin, who has represented the town's Tadburn ward since 2003 and takes over from outgoing mayor Dorothy Baverstoke, chose her sister Sally Williams as her escort.

In Winchester Neil Baxter was voted in as the 806th mayor in the traditional ceremony in the Guildhall last night.

The city councillor, who has represented Itchen Valley since 1998, is the first mayor from the Conservative party since Pat Norris in 1995. Standing down as mayor is Cecily Sutton.

Cllr Baxter is a widower and his two daughters will stand in as an escort during his mayoral year.

His nominated charities include the Live at Home Scheme, Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Stroke Association.

Meanwhile, a Ministry of Defence worker from Lee-on-the-Solent has become the mayor of Gosport.

Councillor Graham Burgess, 55, was sworn in and handed the chain by previous mayor Councillor Keith Edwards at a special ceremony.

He said: "It is always an honour to take on such a prestigious role, representing the town in which you live.

"But to be selected in this the year of Trafalgar 200 and SeaBritain celebrations is just incredible."

Married to Marilyn, and with grown up daughters Kathryn and Christina, Cllr Burgess has been member for Lee ward since 1998 and was previously in the Royal Navy.

Lymington's new mayor, Kevin Ault, was also sworn in last night, taking up the chain from Jane Clarke.

Cllr Ault, 72, has been a member of New Forest District Council and Lymington and Pennington Town Council for the past six years.

He is chairman of the district council's economy and planning review panel and is also a member of the planning and development control committee.