A NEW mock mayor took up the chains of office in an eccentric election ceremony.

Townsfolk in Woodstock voted for Lee Saxton in the ceremony, which traces its roots back to 1786.

As is the custom Mr Saxton, a builder, was ceremonially dunked in the River Glyme on Saturday after beating other candidates by promising to rid the town of the Duke of Marlborough, put on free drinks and repair local car parks.

He told the Oxford Mail: “The water wasn’t that cold, I was quite surprised.

“I was shocked to win, it’s the second time I’ve entered.

“It’s nice to support community events which are struggling, especially when they go back as long as this one.”