THE streets of Barrow were filled with the sound of drums and marching this weekend to recognise the appointment of their new mayor.

A party of around 200 people - including Barrow Sea Cadets, the Air Cadets of Barrow and Ulverston,and the Royal British Legion - contributed to a spectacular civic parade to honour the new mayor of Barrow, Councillor Anita Husband.

Those at the event today spoke of the honour of being involved in the occasion and Councillor Husband feels privileged to represent the town.

She said: "It is absolutely wonderful because I love Barrow. I was deputy mayor last year and got an insight into what I would be doing.

"It is amazing when you are representing your borough as a mayor. As a councillor you want to be a part of your borough and show people you are part of your borough."

The parade left Barrow Town Hall this morning, and made its way down to St Georges Church, in St Georges Square for a formal service.

The Barrow Sea Cadets and Air Cadets then returned to the Town Hall following the service to march past and salute the new mayor.

Phil Burns, Lieutenant Commander for the Royal Naval Reserves, was in charge of co-ordinating the march through the town.

He said: "To be asked to take charge of the parade on behalf of the Mayor it is quite an honour.

"It is important as it shows that the mayor is interested in organisations that are in the town.

"It is also the chance for the organisations to show the same reciprocal message back to the mayor to show that they are willing to support her during office."

The Royal British Legion Riders Branch were proud to be part of the celebration, and commented how valuable such civic traditions are in the town.

One of their members, Dave Smith, said: "From my point of view, bikers a very supportive of the Armed Forces, we are out here to show our support for the Mayor.

"These (events) are part of the fabric of our society and we cannot let this culture fall away; I think the public should, and do, support it."