Saffron Walden's mayor has praised volunteers for their efforts to tackle poverty and mental ill health at a ceremony.

The Churching of the Mayor ceremony for town councillor Richard Porch took place at St Mary's Church on Saturday, July 10.

Saffron Walden Reporter: The Churching of the Mayor for Cllr Richard PorchThe Churching of the Mayor for Cllr Richard Porch (Image: Celia Bartlett Photography)

He was formally made mayor after town councillors elected him to the post in May.

Cllr Porch said: "It was an honour and a privilege to be elected to the office of Mayor and a duty which I will carry out with the utmost respect and to the best of my ability."

Saffron Walden Reporter: Cllr Richard Porch with Mayoress Michelle Porch outside the Town HallCllr Richard Porch with Mayoress Michelle Porch outside the Town Hall (Image: Celia Bartlett Photography)

The Mayor's charities this year are Uttlesford Food Bank, Uttlesford Children's Clothing Bank and Open Door - a free counselling centre for young people.

He praised the charities' volunteers who "give up great deal of their own valuable time to provide much-needed support for local people".

Details of how to support the Mayor's charities are on the Town Council website: https://saffronwalden.gov.uk/the-mayor-of-saffron-walden-2/

Saffron Walden Reporter: Cllr Richard Porch doing the reading during the churching ceremony at St Mary's ChurchCllr Richard Porch doing the reading during the churching ceremony at St Mary's Church (Image: Celia Bartlett Photography)