MAYORS from across Surrey, guests and local dignitaries joined the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Commander Susan Lochner, at St Bartholomew’s Church in Haslemere for the mayor of Waverley’s civic service.

The mayor, councillor John Robini, made his promises of office and received a blessing in front of the congregation.

Cllr Robini pledged to support charities that had been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and the work of volunteers throughout the borough.

This year his nominated charities are a Place2Be, which works to provide an inclusive space for young children, Hydestile Wildlife Hospital in Hydestile and Skillway which provides training for young people.

Thanking the congregation for their attendance at the service, Cllr Robini said: "The past 18 months have hit many people hard, in debt, food and mental health.

"For the remainder of my mayoral year I want to support all our hard-working volunteers, who year after year ensure all our community buildings and vulnerable citizens are provided with the help and assistance they desperately need. Without this army of volunteers, we would be a much poorer borough."

The service was led by the Rector of Haslemere, the Reverend Chris Bessant. The readings, covering the Calling of Moses and the Charge of St Paul, were given by Cllr Robini and the vicar of St Alban’s, Hindhead, the Rev Richard Bodle respectively.

Prayers were led by the Rev David Uffindell, Rector of Farnham and the choir of St Bartholomew’s School beautifully sang two songs, one of which was The School Song.