ABINGDON’s new mayor Patricia Hobby has taken the chain of office, admitting that her predecessor will be ‘a hard act to follow’.

More than 200 people watched the ceremony in which the mayoral chain was passed to Mrs Hobby, 66. The mother-of-two, and grandmother of three, who joined the town council in 2003, replaces Patrick Lonergan.

Afterwards, Mrs Hobby, of Abingdon, said: “I am really looking forward to my new role. I have a tough act to follow.” Mrs Hobby, who is also chairman of Abingdon in Bloom, said: “I have been looking in the diary and have lots of events to attend. I expect to make about 200 visits throughout the year.”

Mrs Hobby has chosen to support two causes during her year in office — Abingdon Sea Scouts and the town’s amateur boxing club.

She said: “Teenagers in the town are always saying there is nothing to do. These two organisations offer adventure for children.”

Outgoing mayor Mr Lonergan spoken of his year in office, during which he has attended 258 civic engagements.

The 62-year-old said: “The highlight for me was wearing the chain because it was nice and it gave me additional confidence.

“Everyone I met was so polite and respectful — and the kisses I received was also nice.”

The father of three, who lives with wife Marjorie White in Cherwell Close, said Mrs Hobby would have a busy job ahead of her.

Mr Lonergan said: “I think I had time to do the job as I don’t have any grandchildren. I would like to thank my escort Robin Welch who was an absolute brick. He was so reliable.”

Mr Lonergan said he had raised almost £4,000 for his chosen charities — Abingdon Community Hospital League of Friends and Abingdon Charities Working Together.

Mr Lonergan chose three people to receive the Mayor’s Award for 2008-2009 for their work in the town. They were Adrienne Compton-James, Harry Downey and Pauline Selleck.

Mrs Compton-James arrived in Abingdon from South Africa ten years ago and is an active member of St Michael and All Angels Church, in Park Road. She is also a volunteer at the town’s County Hall Museum.

Mr Downey came to the town in 1956. He was recognised for his voluntary work with Barnado’s and has served the community for the past 53 years.

Mrs Selleck was born in Abingdon. She has taught ballroom dancing since 1953, and has a full-time dance school in Swinburne Road with daughter Liz.

During the ceremony, Ms Hobby’s deputy mayor Duncan Brown, 32, of High Street, was also welcomed. Mr Brown has been involved in politics for several years and joined the town council in 2003. He is chairman of the environmental impact working party.