Gallery: 'Once in a lifetime' experience for sheep-herding Marlow mayor

Suzanne Brown earned the chance to herd the livestock over the River Thames in front of crowds in central London after being given Freedom of the City of London earlier this year.

Taking a coachload of supporters from Marlow, Mayor Brown took part in the quirky 500-year-old tradition after being ferried to the spot on a river cruiser.

And dressed as a cowgirl, she took her turn alongside other Freemen to usher the creatures over the bridge under the watchful eye of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen.

She said: “It was a fantastic day, it will go down in my memory bank for a long time. I felt very lucky, and plus we had gorgeous sunshine all day.

“It was a bit weird, especially with what I was wearing. I must admit I was a bid scared of the sheep but they were probably more afraid of me.

“It’s very difficult to describe, but an incredible experience and one I’ll never get to do again.”

The right to drive sheep across London Bridge was originally granted in the 12th century to bring livestock into the City for sale.

The honorary privilege was bestowed after Mayor Brown was nominated for the freedom of the city for her tireless charity work.

Some vehicles were diverted as the bus lane became a sheep-only carriageway for the day, drawing crowds of tourists and Londoners alike intrigued at the spectacle.

As well as providing the centrepiece for her mayoral scrapbook, Cllr Brown raised £435 during the stunt for her nominated charities.

Marlow Opportunity Playgroup and Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance will benefit from the cash after she pledged to support the two causes for her second term in office.