A RIVAL mayor will be elected and carried through the streets of Abingdon on Saturday as part of a wacky town tradition.

The Mock Mayor day will see a spectacular parade stream through the streets after residents elect a new Mayor of Ock Street.

Flower-covered morris dancers will entertain crowds throughout the day, with festivities starting at 10am. Votes will be cast in late afternoon, with a ceremony and dance in Market Place around 7pm. The folk tradition is thought to have ancient roots, but the mock mayor has no official powers.