IT took 700 years for the ancient borough of Christchurch to appoint its first lady mayor in 1928.

And on Tuesday Cllr Josephine Spencer, in her second term as Mayor since the turn of the millennium, became the fourth female to fill the post in the first five years of the current century.

The former policewoman, teacher and Guide leader was installed as the borough's first citizen with all the pomp and circumstance which has surrounded the office since records began in 1297.

A Mudeford ward Conservative councillor since 1995, Cllr Spencer previously served as Mayor in 2001/2 and was the unanimous choice of the 24-member council to succeed Cllr Sue Spittle, who becomes her deputy.

Previously vice-chairman of the council's community services committee, where her wide-ranging portfolio includes community planning, Cllr Spencer is a leading figure in the development of the Christchurch Community Partnership and governor of both Mudeford infant and junior schools

In his proposal speech, Cllr Alan Griffiths said: "Josie is one of the most community spirited people I know, with the dedication and ability to work with people of all ages.

"She cares about people and cares about Christchurch. Anybody who meets Josie knows she is proud of Christchurch and proud of the work of this council."

"I know we will be proud of Josie Spencer as our Mayor."

Cllr Spencer, in her inaugural address, paid tribute to the vital work of voluntary organisations and announced as her mayoral charities the cancer research group Tenovus, the Citizens Advice Bureau and a project to provide community transport for outlying areas of the borough.

"Christchurch would not be a place where time is pleasant without all the volunteers and friends of the Priory, Regent Centre, Red House, Highcliffe Castle, Stanpit Marsh, our charity workers and youth leaders, and organisations like CADArts," she said.

And she pledged: "I will try, with your help, to ensure that we build a community that benefits all its residents both young and old as we continue our journey through the 21st century."

First published: May 25