A CIVIC service formally welcomed the new Mayor of Worcester.

A procession from the Guildhall to the Cathedral took place on Sunday before a traditional service at 4pm to welcome Cllr Jabba Riaz to the role.

The new mayor, Labour councillor Jabba Riaz was alongside a number of notable city politicians including councillors, Mayors and chairmen from neighbouring local authorities for the procession.

Amongst the 150 or so attendees were MP Robin Walker, former mayors Paul Denham and Roger Knight and Brandon Clayton, chairman of Worcestershire County Council.

Around 100 people lined the High Street to see the procession making their way to the cathedral.

The procession, held in sunshine, left the Guildhall, travelling to the cathedral for the 4pm service, before returning to the Guildhall for refreshments.

Before the service, the bells at Worcester Cathedral were rung by the Guild of Bellringers and the organist for the service played Salut d’Amour by Sir Edward Elgar.

Cllr Riaz said during the service: “I want us to show the world that Worcester is a beautiful, loving and faithful city.

“My message for the year is love not hate.”

During the service, hymns were sung and passages were read from both the Bible and the Quaran before the National Anthem was sung.

God Is Love: His the Care, Collegium Magdalene Oxoniese and God of Freedom, God of Justice were all heard during the ceremony before Dr Georgina Byrne lead the congregation in prayer.

A speech by the Dean of Worcester, Reverend Dr Peter Atkinson encouraged the congregation to join together to oppose hate.

The high sheriff of Worcestershire, Cassian Roberts read an extract from the prophecy of Isaiah.

There was a collection for the Cathedral and St Richard’s Hospice, one of the mayor’s chosen charities for this year.

Cllr Riaz took on the role in May, replacing Steve Mackay after serving as his deputy last year.

He has chosen St Richard’s Hospice, Worcester Community Trust and Worcester Live as his three charities.

His deputy mayor is Councillor Allah Ditta, clearing the way for him to likely become mayor next year.