IT was a “momentous” occasion for the incoming mayor of Test Valley when he took up the chains of office at a traditional ceremony.

Ian Hibberd, councillor for Romsey Extra, accepted the honour at Test Valley Borough Council’s annual mayor-making event, with Christopher Lynn ushered in as his deputy.

Taking up the reins at Romsey’s Crosfield Hall, Cllr Hibberd said: “This is a momentous occasion in my and Theresa’s lives. We look forward to a fun year and serving all the people of this borough.”

Outgoing mayor, Brian Page, who carried out more than 500 mayoral functions during the year, was described during the meeting as a “wonderful mayor” with a “strong moral compass”.

Meanwhile, a number of Liberal Democrat councillors absented themselves from the event, amid criticism over the cost of the mayor-making lunch.

As revealed in the Romsey Advertiser, council bosses splashed £3,000 on a special meal for up to 120 town dignitaries and charity representatives.

One Lib Dem councillor, Steve Cosier, attacked the £28-a-head meal as “an absurd waste of spending”, in light of plans for job cuts and cost-cutting at the authority.