The current and former mayors of High Wycombe joined forces to officially unveil a new garden at a High Wycombe care home last week.

Former mayor and councillor, Jim Tanner, helped current mayor Brian Pearce cut the ribbon at Ryeview Manor Care Home’s newly refurbished outdoor area on Monday, June 12.

Mr Tanner, who lives at the home with his wife Sylvia, served as mayor of the town for a year from 1989 - which enabled him to meet Princess Diana at the opening of the Reggie Goves Centre.

The 87-year-old – who has also served as district and county councillor – said he is impressed by Cllr Pearce’s dedication to the role and urged the mayor to “keep doing what he’s doing”.

He said: “Before I got down there I was on edge but he [Cllr Pearce] put me at ease. He went to speak to everyone and then we cut the ribbon. It is very nice – it is good to have a nice place to sit especially in the sunshine.

“I really enjoyed being a councillor, meeting people and helping people. It was a good challenge.

“I was also responsible for opening the Castlefield Community Centre in 1989 – it is still there it is by Castlefield School.”

Cllr Pearce hailed the “fantastic” staff at Rye View Manor, and added it was “really interesting” to talk to Mr Tanner – who he witnessed being “weighed in” as mayor in 1989.

He said: “It was a lovely event and I chatted to the residents and the former mayor Jim Tanner. I knew him already. He was very interesting – it was a lovely day.

“He was mayor long before I was involved with the council. I went to one of the mayor makings and I remember Jim being weighed in but that was some time ago.

“It is a fantastic care home and the staff are great. It is a not a job you do for the money but you can tell they love what they do.”