AN ancient mayor-making ceremony was held in the Troutbeck Village Institute last Friday.

Earliest records show that the event dates back to at least 1778 and is linked to the annual mayor's hunt.

The outgoing mayor nominates their successor and the qualifications are that the mayor must be a supporter of the hunt.

Last year’s mayor, Neil Salisbury, presided over the festivities before announcing that Helen Westmoreland–Nicholson will serve for the coming year.

Mrs Westmoreland-Nicholson was born in the valley and together with her husband, Michael, joint master and huntsman with the Coniston Foxhounds, farms in Troutbeck.

The annual meet of the Coniston Foxhounds took place on Saturday and a good crowd attended despite the atrocious weather.

The afternoon closed with a successful terrier and stick show at the Mortal Man, Troutbeck.