There’s a new figure at the head of the Petersfield Town Council table as the mayoral chains have been handed over to a familiar face.

Cllr JC Crissey has “taken his seat on the back benches” after bringing his 16-month tenure as the mayor to a close.

He resigned as mayor at last Thursday’s town council meeting before nominating Cllr Lesley Farrow for the top job in a move agreed in June.

The meeting was an emotional affair with Cllr Crissey and his wife being presented with a pin and flowers, respectively, for their service to the town after a torrent of praise from councillors and the public.

Cllr Farrow – who can also surely be considered a PTC ‘great’ having become Petersfield’s mayor for the third time – led the tributes in the council chamber.

She said: “It’s not often a mayor has to serve for a year and a third but JC has as he stepped in when I couldn’t start the year.

“JC is someone who has taken pride in living his town and has taken part in as much as possible.

“He’s also proved no-one can be photographed more than him than in a single year and a quarter.

“I can see people saying over the next few months where is the mayor, as they’ve got so used to seeing him.”

Cllr Farrow was unanimously voted in as mayor while Cllr Chris Paige became deputy after a proposal by Steve Dewey was seconded by John Lees before approval.

Cllr Crissey said he had “learned a lot” as mayor and thanked PTC for twice putting their trust in him.

He said: “I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved together.

“For the last time, thank you for letting me be Petersfield town mayor. You’ve given me the greatest honour of my civic life.”