THE new mayor of a Suffolk borough has vowed to support children's charities as he was installed in a ceremony steeped in pomp and custom.Michael Jones, who served in the Royal Marine for 25 years, was signed into office at St Edmundsbury Borough Council's annual meeting yesterday.

THE new mayor of a Suffolk borough has vowed to support children's charities as he was installed in a ceremony steeped in pomp and custom.

Michael Jones, who served in the Royal Marines for 25 years, was signed into office at St Edmundsbury Borough Council's annual meeting yesterday.

The new mayor donned the traditional robes and chain of office in the grand surroundings of the ballroom in Bury St Edmunds' Athenaeum as scores of dignitaries looked on.

Mr Jones who has been a member of the council since 1999, replaces David Lockwood as mayor.

“I am looking forward to the task with equal measure of enthusiasm and possibly a little trepidation,” he said.

“One of the joys of being mayor, and something which is very near to my heart, is to get support for the work of charities, and children's charities in particular.

“We will do our level best to support them in any way possible.

“I also want to carry the flag for St Edmundsbury and what we stand for during the coming months. I am very proud to be mayor, and I want to help the people who live and work here to develop that same sense of pride in our community.”

Council leader John Griffiths said: “Mr Jones is an exceptional man in so many ways. He is a man to be admired and reckoned with, and I am delighted he became a councillor in 1999 - since when he has represented the Fornham ward superbly.

“He is quite simply a very good and impressive man who seems to do everything for all the best reasons.

“He believes in serving his fellow man, putting something back into the community and making a contribution and difference.”

Mr Lockwood, who raised £7,000 for Suffolk Carers and the Alzheimer's Society during his year in office, was elected as deputy mayor for the coming 12 months.