HUNDREDS gathered in the centre of Wallingford for the annual Mayor’s Sunday Parade.

The parade featured representatives from local organisations including RAF Benson, the Royal British Legion, scouts, guides, the Air Training Corps and army cadets.

Sunday’s event started at 10.30am in the Cattle Market car park where groups marched to Market Place, where the new mayor, Colin Dolton, and Group Captain Richard Mason, of RAF Benson, took the salute.

A civic service was then held in St Mary’s Church and, following the service, a reception for voluntary organisations was held at the Regal Centre.

Mr Dolton said: “The parade went very well and I was delighted to meet people from voluntary organisations in the town.

“I first took part in a parade when I was 11 and a volunteer with the British Red Cross.

“I had no idea that one day I would be mayor – it is amazing how things move on.”

Lynda Atkins, independent Oxfordshire County Council member for Wallingford, added: “The Mayor’s Sunday Parade is a great tradition in the town dating back at least 50 years and it’s a good opportunity to celebrate the town’s links with RAF Benson.”