A Parade Marshall is now flying the flag for Petersfield after being elected mayor of “the best place in the world”.

There’s a new face at the head of the Petersfield Town Council table with Lesley Farrow handing over the mayoral chains to Cllr Chris Paige last Thursday (May 29).

The RBL supremo and Armed Forces champion said he was humbled and honoured after being unanimously voted mayor by his fellow town councillors.

“This is the best place to live in the world in my opinion,” said Cllr Paige in referencing Petersfield’s anointment as the best place to live in the South East by the Sunday Times.

“It’s quite humbling to be elected as your mayor. Becoming mayor of a town is still regarded as an honour and it’s one of the greatest of my life.”

Cllr Paige announced that Petersfield Scout Group and Winton House, another staunch supporter of the armed forces and veterans, as his charities for the mayoral year.

He thanked supporters and fundraisers in advance for their support while also nominating Cllr Jamie Matthews as deputy, to a unanimous seconding from the council.

“I wish you well and a sense of humour,” said Cllr Farrow in congratulating Cllr Paige after giving up the mayoral seat.

She also thanked former mayor and councillor JC Crissey for keeping her seat warm while she recovered from surgery, with the American watching the meeting from the “public gallery”.

She said: “I made a deliberate choice to tone down things after 16 months of an all-American whirlwind.

“JC brought energy and endless Facebook entries to the job.”

She added: “My time in the job has been anything but boring and I’ve been to all manner of engagements from town council meetings to events and shop openings – Petersfield is a big hearted town.”