A PRISTINE set of mayoral robes has been donated to by Wellington Town Council.

The robes, which were offered by former Torbay councillor Douglas Lentell, were on show for councillors and members of the public to see at the meeting of the town council on Monday.

Former Wellingtonian Mr Lentell, whose brother Ron still lives in Wellington, made the offer to the council after reading how Councillor Peter Critchard has become Wellington's first town mayor.

The council decided to change the title from chairman to mayor at its annual meeting last May in order to better promote the town.

Mr Lentell was Mayor of Torbay in 1992-93 and also chairman of Devon County Council in 1993-94.

He has handed over the complete set of robes, which include a bicorn hat, gloves, and jabot, completely free of charge for use by Wellington's mayor.

The convention in Torbay at the time was that retiring mayors were able to keep a set of robes once they had completed their term of office.

Wellington town clerk Greg Dyke said: "It would only be appropriate to wear the robes at formal civic events such as Remembrance Sunday and the annual civic service.

"However, they will lend great dignity to the position of mayor on such occasions."

Town mayor Councillor Peter Critchard has now asked to meet Mr Lentell and personally thank him for his generous gift.