THE annual civic service to mark the start of the new council year has taken place at St Andrew’s Church in Farnham.

The service also marked the recent election of David Attfield as town mayor.

The service saw Mr Attfield make his promises of office and affirm his intent to serve the town and its people to the best of his ability.

Reverend David Uffindell, the rector of Farnham, led the service.

Prayers were said for the mayor, town councillors, people who work in Farnham, and members of the armed forces.

The service was attended by the mayor of Waverley, mayors from neighbouring towns and boroughs, dignitaries and representatives from business and community organisations.

Mr Attfield said: “St Andrew’s is at the heart of the town and serves as a place of welcome for all who live, work or visit Farnham.

“I would like to thank Reverend David Uffindell, from St Andrew’s Church, and to say how delighted I was to be supported by Reverend Michael Hopkins, from Farnham United Reformed Church, and Reverends Alan Crawley and Lesley Crawley, from my own parish of Badshot Lea.

“The mayoress and I are very grateful to everybody who came on Sunday and would like to thank the many people behind the scenes whose personal contributions made the service such a success.

“I would also like to give special thanks to the Cubs and Scouts network who did a magnificent job of helping out in church and serving guests with refreshments at the reception after the service.”

The Mayor of Farnham has chosen to support ‘Garners Goes Bananas’, a project to extend and upgrade the Garners Field activity centre, during his mayoral year. A retiring collection raised £390 for the charity.