The 125th anniversary of Essex County Council was marked with a church service.

Mayors and mayoresses from across the county joined the authority’s chairman councillor Kay Twitchen for the ceremony at Chelmsford Cathedral on Sunday.

A special video marking the founding of the county council has been made by the Essex Record Office, showing how it preserves the history of Essex for future generations.

Mrs Twitchen said: “The service was opportunity to commemorate the rich historic past of Essex County Council and to also thank those who work for local authorities across Essex for the work they do in supporting residents in all areas of their lives.”

A number of other dignataries were also at the service including the police and crime commissioner, chief constables past and present of Essex Police, and several MPs.