THERE were bagpipes, tears and a sparkling wand as the 794th Mayor of Southampton was sworn in.

Cathie McEwing was formally elected in a ceremony at the Guildhall today, with Les Harris becoming Sheriff.

Labour Redbridge member Cllr McEwing was described as having a "passion for fairness and justice" by party colleague Jacqui Rayment and as a "very caring and focused person with a sense of humour" by Conservative Beryl Harris.

Cllr McEwing paid an emotional thanks to her family, before talking about the importance of the city's youngsters and elderly residents, and urging support for refugee children fleeing war-torn Syria.

She has nominated Two Saints, the Wayne Howard Trust and the St Mary's Church Titanic Windows as charities for her year in office.

New Sheriff Les Harris, a Conservative from Bassett, was described as the city's tallest ever holder of the position, standing at 6ft 7ins tall, by party colleague John Hannides.

He spoke of his "great honour" at becoming the 579th Sheriff, while Labour council leader Simon Letts described him as "diligent, hard-working, courteous and committed to the community he serves".

Tributes were paid to outgoing Mayor Linda Norris, who also lost her council seat in Portswood in the recent elections.

She has so far raised more than £40,000 for her chosen charities and Conservative leader Jeremy Moulton hailed her "incredible service to the city".

An occasionally emotional Mrs Norris thanked those who had helped her over her mayoral year, saying: "I've been an icon in the Echo, a legend on Twitter and a has-been in Portswood, and I've enjoyed every minute of it."

She also jokingly presented Cllr McEwing with a sparkling LED wand from one of her events.

Pupils from Redbridge Primary School sang four songs, while music was performed by Richard Taunton College students and the University of Southampton's officer training corps provided a guard of honour.

Southampton Youth Orchestra director Jane Higgins was given the City of Southampton Award, with Mrs Norris saying "her combination of professionalism, dedication and love of music has achieved great results and has greatly benefited the young people of Southampton and the wider area".

Southampton Solent University was awarded the Southampton Business Success Award.

A bagpiper played as he led the Mayor, Sheriff, councillors and other dignitaries out at the end of the ceremony.