Piupils at St Mary's RC Primary School were delighted to hear stories of how the Mayor's macebearer is allowed to use his mace to stop people getting to the mayor.

The Mayor, Coun Arthur Archer and his mayoress wife Doris, visited the school to talk to the children about their roles as Swindon's civic leaders.

The mayor and mayoress, accompanied by macebearer Nobby Clarke, attended the school's assembly dressed in their full regalia before taking part in a tour of the school.

They spent time in particular with the year six pupils at the school, who are aged between ten and 11-years-old, talking about the history of the mayor's role, during the visit last week.

Reception teacher Julie Forcer, said that all the children were delighted by the mayor's visit and the pupils in the older age range of the school who are studying the historical role of civic leaders were enthralled.

She said: "All the children found it very enjoyable. The children in the older years at the school were fascinated listening to the mayor talk about the history of his role and the younger children were just delighted to see all of the wonderful clothing the mayor wears.

"It was wonderful in assembly to see all of the children, from the age of four-years-old and upwards absolutely enthralled by what the mayor was saying.

"I think everyone enjoyed the visit, hopefully the mayor included."