WITH a blast from the Burghmote Horn, science boffin Cllr Harry Cragg was signed in as the new Lord Mayor of Canterbury.

Minutes later, in a packed ceremony at the city's Guildhall on Wednesday, Cllr Gabrielle Davis was confirmed as Sheriff.

The Reculver ward Conservative councillor from Sea View Road, Beltinge, had beaten Liberal Democrat candidate Michael Berridge in a vote.

Tory Cllr Cragg, a former leader of the city council until he was replaced by current leader Cllr John Gilbey, will lose his place on the executive as culture and sport spokesman during his year as mayor. The job has been taken by Northgate's Cllr Darren Ellis.

Cllr Cragg, who celebrates his 71st birthday tomorrow, Thursday, said: "It is a great honour and a privilege to be Lord Mayor. No amount of forethought can prepare one for the feeling of putting on the robes for the first time."

He was proposed by Chartham's Cllr Rosemary Doyle and seconded by Cllr Peter Lee of Herne Bay.

Cllr Cragg told members: "Canterbury is second only to London in Britain in world-wide importance. To those who live here, and our many visitors, the district offers a magnificent experience ranging from the Reculver Towers and Bell Harry tower at Canterbury Cathedral to Whitstable harbour and its oysters and the rural charm of our villages."

But he warned: "The coming year is going to be very challenging in view of the current economic difficulties. I am sure we will successfully rise to the challenge and continue to be the focus for high quality culture, education and shopping."

He added: "I would like to give you this commitment that if I can be of help to anyone you only need to ask and, time permitting, I will do what I can."

His Lady Mayoress will be his wife Sheila.

Silver-haired author Gabrielle Davis was voted in as city Sheriff. She was proposed by Seasalter's Cllr Jean Law.

Cllr Law said: "Gabrielle is a caring and professional lady born in Canterbury and raised and educated in Herne Bay. She speaks fluent French which is essential as Sheriff.

"She is a writer and author by profession and has written for many women's magazines."

Cllr Davis was seconded by Whitstable's Cllr Jenny Samper who added: "Gabby has a flare for words."

Once elected, Cllr Davis said: "I am speechless. I can't believe this. It is the most amazing honour."

Cllr Michael Dixey proposed Mike Berridge as the Lib Dems' rival Sheriff.

He said: "Mike is respected across all three parties and had the biggest number of votes in the last election. He is a Cambridge scholar who speaks six languages, seven if you include Latin."

He lost the vote 28-19.

Outgoing Lord Mayor Cllr Carolyn Parry from Chislet shed a tear as she thanked everyone for their support including her husband, Whitstable solicitor Stephen, and the couple's children.

She said: "No words can describe what an amazing year I have had, from watching Whitstable Brownies stage a fashion show in a church hall to being part of the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury Cathedral."