THE mayoral chain of Northwich has passed to a new keeper as a councillor dons the robes of office for his second time.

Clr George Mainwaring was mayor of Northwich for the millienium and has taken on the town’s lead role again for the next 12 months.

His new term as mayor, accompanied by consort Gillian Evans, follows that of Clr Alison Gerrard.

In her retiring speech Clr Gerrard said: “I wish all the best to George and Gillian for what promises to be an exciting year with the Jubilee and Olympics.”

Clr Paul Dolan thanked Clr Gerrard for her work during her time as mayor.

“All of us here tonight recognise that Alison carried out her duties with both style and distinction,” he said.

“In the year of the Jubilee she has brought the community of Northwich much closer together and raised money for an outstanding cause.

“She has brought a fresh perspective and a vibrancy to the office of mayor that we can all be proud of.”

During her mayoral year Clr Gerrard raised more than £6,000 to treat testicular cancer at Leighton Hospital.

Dr Rono Mukherjee attended the annual meeting to collect the cheque and explain how it will be used.

He said: “Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers and one of the most curable cancers, the key issue is early diagnoses and treatment.

“By raising awareness we hope that young men who are concerned will seek medical attention because even a few weeks can make a huge difference.

“When we receive the referrals things move very quickly and we arrange an ultrasound scan within days, but in that time period there will be a lot of anxiety.

“What we can do now at Leighton and at the Victoria Infirmary is buy a probe to carry out a scan when the patient presents at clinic so we can tell them on the day ‘yes, this is what it is’ or ‘don’t worry it’s nothing’.

“This money will go a long way towards buying the probe so we can reduce anxiety and get on with treating young men with this common cancer.”

Clr George Mainwaring has nominated the Salvation Army as his charity for 2012/13.