MAYORAL chains have been changing hands in towns across the county over the past week and in High Wycombe a tradition which goes back more than 300 years is still upheld.

Outgoing High Wycombe Mayor Mahboob Hussain was set to face his weight last night at the annual weighing out ceremony while new mayor Nigel Vickery was weighed in.

The ceremony surrounding the annual election of High Wycombe's new mayor is a much valued tradition which dates back to medieval times and draws interest from the nation's press.

A quarter peal of parish bells is sounded from All Saints Parish Church while he is drummed around the market place, a tradition which originated in 1678 when a shamed dignitary was stripped of his title and the great bell was rung out "in testimony of his misdemeanours".

No embarrassment is spared as the newly chosen Mayor and his predecessor are weighed on giant scales at High Wycombe's Guildhall, in what is commonly referred as the "weighing in" ceremony.

As their weight is recorded the Town Crier shouts "and some more" if the Mayor has gained weight, and the words "and no more" if he has not.

This is followed by the traditional jeers and shouts if there is some weight gain as it is believed that "they have grown fat at the expense of the people".

There is clapping and cheering if there is no gain as it is then assumed they have been doing a lot of hard work on behalf of the town.

The new mayor then has his weight recorded in readiness for taking up the chains of office for the coming year.

"It is a fantastic tradition and one which we should do our utmost to protect," said former mayor Mahboob Hussain.