FORMER RAF-man Ian Ferries has been adorned with Royal Wootton Bassett’s prized regalia following a Mayor Making Ceremony.

In a special service held at St Bartholomew and All Saints Church on Wednesday evening, the town councillor was sworn in to the council’s highest office, replacing the 2014/2015 mayor, Susan Hughes.

The 66-year-old, who lives with his wife, Judi, in Sorrell Close, said he felt privileged to be able to represent the town as mayor during the next year.

He said: “I feel very privileged to be in this position.

“I have been living in the town for quite a long time.

“We first moved here in around 1974/1975, and I have always had a big interest in the town, so to be raised to the dizzy heights of mayor in a town I have called my home for so long is quite an honour.

“One of the big things that will be happening during my mayoral year will be that the artist Mark Humphrey will be designing a poppy made out of stone for the town.

“That will be something quite special.”

Internationally renowned and award-winning artist Mark Humphrey was born in 1970 in Wiltshire. His collectors include private commissions such as Ringo Starr and George Harrison, commercial contracts for example, Fendi, Mittal and Jumeirah and charity projects such as The Royal British Legion and Prostate Cancer UK.

When he was working with the RAF, Ian was based in Lyneham, where Bassett was the closest town.

He said: “I was stationed in Lyneham for quite a while and Royal Wootton Bassett was the closest town then.”

Among the guests were Help for Heroes representative, Richard Lupton, since Coun Ferries has nominated Help for Heroes as his chosen charity for his civic year.

He said: “I’ve chosen the very worthy cause represented by the charity Help For Heroes because I used to be in the Royal Air Force and I’m aware of all the work they do to help veterans.

“Perhaps the main reason however is that my nephew, who was in the Army, used their support when he returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

“I have seen for myself the great support provided at Tedworth House in Wiltshire, one of four Recovery Centres run by Help for Heroes, which helps people regain their physical fitness and offer re-training for a new career as well as holistic therapies for psychological wellbeing.”

A the ceremony, guests were welcomed by piper Sam Wright and the Wootton Bassett Brass Band, along with a Guard of Honour from Royal Wootton Bassett Sea Cadets.

Entertainment was provided by the Cantanti Choir.