MAYORS and dignitaries celebrated Whitehaven's traditional Civic Sunday event.

A procession was held through the town accompanied by a piper and the standard bearer for the Bransty branch of the Royal British Legion.

This was followed by a service of thanksgiving at the United Reformed Church on James Street.

It was organised by Raymond Gill, ceremonial mayor of Whitehaven Town council.

Among the guests was the Mayor of Millom, Mayor of Cockermouth, Mayor of Workington and Mayor of Ulverston.

Also attending was Copeland’s elected mayor Mike Starkie and chairman of Copeland Council Peter Tyson.

Mr Gill said: “We had a march from Whitehaven Civic Hall to the United Reformed Church. Rev Dave Harkison led the service, and there were readings from myself, Mayor Starkie and Mr Tyson.”

Following the service, refreshments were held in Whitehaven Civic Hall.

Mr Gill said: “There was a lot of networking: there were county councillors, borough councillors and town councillors.

"I want the town council to work in conjunction with other councils to get things done.”

He said the event has been held in the town for many years, although there has been many changes. It was marked by Whitehaven Borough Council until 1974 when Copeland Council formed. It was then marked by Copeland until Mike Starkie was elected Copeland's mayor last year.

This is the first year the recently-formed Whitehaven Town Council has organised the event.