AN OFFICIAIL ceremony was held to welcome the new mayor and mayoress for the city.

Duncan Lumley and his wife Edna began their term as Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford for 2017/18.

The mayor has lived in the Chelmsford all his life, having been born in St John’s Hospital.

This will be the second time that Mr Lumley has been mayor of Chelmsford, his first term being 2005/6.

He is now retired, but spent more than thirty years working as a bank official and thirteen years working in a local secondary school.

He has two grown-up daughters and one grandson.

He was first elected to the city council in 1987 and has also been a member of Springfield Parish Council since 1995.

With a strong commitment to local community affairs, the mayor has previously been a member of the governing bodies for Barnes Farm Infant and Junior School, Tyrells School and William de Ferrers.

He has served on CHP Housing Association Board and cares deeply about social housing issues.

The mayor has chosen the City of Chelmsford Mencap, Age Concern Chelmsford and Columbus School and College as his charities for the year.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to the coming year.

“Chelmsford is a fantastic city and the Mayor has the privilege of meeting a wide range of people and experiencing first-hand some of the great work they do.

“I am delighted to be able to support three charities this year – all very deserving and worthy causes.”

The mayor appointed councillor Jon de Vries to be his deputy and he will be supported by his wife Maria as deputy mayoress.

Councillor de Vries has lived In Chelmsford his entire life. He has three grown-up children and three grandchildren.

He has served the people of Essex for over 30 years as a police officer. Retiring in the rank of Sergeant, he served the majority of his career as a front line officer. As a Councillor, Jon has been a member of a number of committees during the past two years since his election in 2015.

Reverend Ann MacKenzie, Vicar of the Church of Our Saviour in Ashton Place, Chelmer Village, was appointed as the Mayor’s Chaplain. Reverend MacKenzie will act during the Mayor’s term of office to open all meetings of the Council with prayers and to officiate at various civic events.