THE newly appointed Mayor of High Wycombe Jane White breathed a sigh of relief today at the annual Mayor Making ritual as the cry of “no more” was heard across Frogmoor.

The traditional ceremony, which has been going since 1678, saw the mayor and other civic dignitaries weighed to see if they have taken advantage of their year in office.

If their weight has gone up from last year the town crier will shout “some more” to good natured boos from the crowd and if not “no more” will be called to cheers.

Julie Pritchard finished her year as Mayor to the shout of “some more” and she said it must be from the “bacon butty this morning.”

More than 50 dignitaries were weighed, after a procession from the Guildhall, prompting boos and cheers from the crowd.

Before the weigh-in Jane White was sworn into office with Cllr Alan Hill chosen as her deputy.

Cllr White said: “Everything went so well- the weather- so many people turned up. I know it is now going to be very busy but I am prepared for that.

“I love the community. This is where I am at my ease. I want to really get out to the community and serve the people of the town as Mayor and what is expected of me.”

She said her son, Bradley White, who tragically died in 2007, would be very proud of her. She added: “I am sure he is looking down feeling proud.”

Cllr White chose the Pepper Foundation as her charity for the Mayor's Appeal which cares for children with life threatening illnesses in their own home and the money raised will only go towards helping families in High Wycombe.

She added: “Losing a child is a heartbreaking and traumatic experience. No parent expects to outlive their child.”

As Julie Pritchard stood down from the role she said her advice to Jane was "be yourself."

She said: “Today is such a fabulous event. It is fantastic to see so many people here. Year on year it is absolutely growing.”

It was the first year the May Fayre was incorporated in the celebrations creating a festival atmosphere.

She added: “It is a bit of a sad day but a very proud day aswell.”

Cllr Pritchard said money was still coming in for her Mayor's Appeal but it has so far raised £10, 870 which will go to her chosen charities; the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust and The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.

Also keeping the crowds amused before the weighing-in festivities was a drama competition, open to schools and drama groups, based on ‘A History of High Wycombe’.

Taking top prize for a fun, and musical, trip through the town’s timeline was the Misfitz Performing Arts Group, which won £250.

In the second place spot, with a £150 prize, was St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School with a drama piece based on the lives of the Mitford sisters, and coming third, with a £100 prize, was the Youth Collision Dance Company.

At the Mayor's Reception newly elected Wycombe Conservative MP Steve Baker welcomed the new mayor and Group Captain Tony Radcliffe gave an address of thanks to the retiring mayor.

Previous Mayor's clerk John Clark who served from 1996 to June 2009 and who passed away last October was recognised for his service. His widow picked up the award on his behalf.