A GLITTERING ceremony staged at Southampton's Guildhall saw Labour's Dennis Harryman sworn is as the city's 782nd mayor yesterday.

Councillor Harryman, 69, who represents the Redbridge ward, was voted into the post unanimously by members of all three political parties on the city council.

Cllr Harryman told a packed meeting of civic leaders from across the south it was "a privilege and an honour to take on the role".

In a moving acceptance speech, he spoke of his lifelong commitment to trade unionism and his desire to do good for the city.

He also cited his wife Nadine, 66, his mother and his sister as some of the most important and influential people in his life.

He said: "My wife has been there to remind me to keep my feet on the ground and support me through the good times and not so good times. She has been my rock."

Cllr Harryman named his charities for the year as the Second Chance Animal Centre and the Countess Mountbatten House.

He also revealed he would be keeping the tradition begun by his predecessor and outgoing mayor Councillor Parvin Damani of having faith advisors for the mayor.

Cllr Damani, the city's first Muslim mayor, was praised for her contribution to civic life by leaders of the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups on the council.

Shirley councillor Edwina Cooke was also elected unanimously to the post of city sheriff. She is due to take over the role of mayor in 12 months.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Adrian Vinson has been formally re-elected as leader of the council for another year.

He was confirmed in the top job by 18 votes to nil after his party emerged as the largest from the June 10 council elections.

Cllr Vinson has kept the same Cabinet team with Cllr Peter Wakeford retaining his leisure and tourism portfolio and deputy leadership of the council.

Other members of the Cabinet are: Councillor Jill Baston, environment and transport; Councillor Calvin Horner, education and lifelong learning; Councillor Norah Goss, corporate services; Councillor David Beckett, finance; Councillor Paul Russell, housing and homes; Councillor Elizabeth Mizon, communities and regeneration and Councillor Ann Milton, health and social care.