DIGNITARIES and special guests joined Haslemere Mayor Sahran Abeysundara for a multi-faith civic ceremony at the Haslemere Hall on Sunday.

The service was led by The Rev Mary Bowden with blessings given by The Rev Barbara Steele Perkins, Father Welland, The Rev Clare Shepherd, The Rev Chuks Iwuagwu and Atta Ul Moman Zahid. The music was provided by the Haslemere Festival Chorus, Clive Osgood and Jessica-Alice McCluskey.

Representatives from the mayor’s four chosen charities, Action Research, Kaleidoscope Trust, Positive Action and Haslemere Penny Ha’penny Trust gave presentations.

The mayor said he is passionate about fundraising during his term of office, that he is honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the “wonderful” town of Haslemere, and he looks forward to working within the community.