A hotelier from a humble background has very big shoes to fill after becoming the mayor of Farnham.

The boy from Burnley has done good as George Murray accepted the mayoral chains last night at a packed town council meeting.

But he and others were also quick to praise the outgoing Brodie Mauluka – with the affable, bass playing, ever-smiling musician and publican being lauded for bringing an “uber cool” presence to the role.

“It’s a great honour,” said Cllr Murray after donning the mayoral robes and taking his place at the head of the council table.

“For me to be standing here as mayor of my adopted town is beyond anything I could have imagined in life but it belongs to all those who walked this journey with me.”

He added: “Some of you may hope this role may shut me up for a year – I can’t promise that.

“But I do promise to serve you with energy and dedication and I look forward to serving you all as mayor.”

Cllr Murray announced that Hale Community & Youth Centre and Sandy Hill Shooting Stars FC will be his mayoral charities.

In addressing Cllr Mauluka’s tenure as mayor, he added: “It will be no easy task following in the footsteps of someone so well loved, respected and let’s be honest, so much fun.”

“You’ve been amazing,” said Reverend Sandy Clarke, who led opening prayers at the meeting, to Cllr Mauluka before hailing his music and compassion for young people.

She also gave a big hint that Cllr Murray would be ascending to mayor, as she praised the Lord for Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League and jokingly called on the council to pray for a successful 25/26 season.

“Miracles do happen,” said Cllr Alan Earwaker before adding: “They can’t be worse than Southampton.”

Cllr Murray was nominated by Cllr Michaela Martin with Cllr Chris Jackman seconding the proposal.

“I know George will do an excellent job in the coming year as he enjoys meeting people,” said Cllr Martin before the latter added: “There is no better candidate for the coming year.”

Cllr Mauluka said “you’re in trouble” to George shortly before the vote was carried and the mayoral chains were handed over. But Cllr Kika Mirylees continued the tributes for the outgoing mayor, with his impromptu jamming at the Britain in Bloom awards in Manchester becoming the stuff of Farnham Town Council legend.

He said: “I’d like to say thank you to everyone for supporting me – I really enjoyed being mayor of Farnham.

“Another thing I’d like to say to the charities I support, is please, I’m not going anywhere and I’ll always be there for you, Charlie’s Promise and 40 Degreez.

“So to George Murray, thank you very much for taking those chains, and to all the councillors and staff here in the office, thank you very much for your support.”

Cllr Mauluka also joked that wearing the mayoral chains made him feel like Mr T. The T must surely stand for terrific.