ALTON mayor Dean Phillips presided over a civic reception with a difference by breaking with protocol and opening up the event to the town as a whole.

Among the guests, which included East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds, was former town mayor Jane Mann, who held the first civic reception in 1993 and was delighted with the outdoor venue, telling Mr Phillips that it was “time for a change of format”.

Supporting the event on May 6 were Alton bands Thermic Syphons and Brobed Stils, the Sparkling Spinettes majorette team, the 8th Alton Scouts, Westbrook Guides and Alton Lions.

Visitors were able to soak up the sun with cooling ice creams and a bar was available, as well as teas, a bouncy castle, face painting, games and a raffle, the proceeds of which went toward the mayor’s charity.