IT was perhaps a unique Winchester event. A Labour mayor proposed by the Tory leader and seconded by a Liberal Democrat.

Usually a party colleague does the honours, but Chris Pines, the 808th mayor of Winchester, is now the sole surviving socialist city councillor.

Mr Pines, 62, the retired deputy head teacher at Winnall Primary School, was elected in a ceremony at a packed Guildhall last week, in succession to Sue Nelmes.

Council leader George Beckett, proposing him, said: "When I first took an active interest in politics I couldn't ever have envisaged any circumstances in which I would propose any member of the Labour Party for anything, except possibly oblivion in the polls.

"Chris Pines is the only remaining representative of his party on the council, a lone but proud figure holding the red flag aloft, on the trail of the Lonesome Pines.

"I speak tonight for him because of his record of service for this city and district.

"That record is quite outstanding. It is an overwhelming qualification for him to be mayor."

He cited his 27 years' unbroken service as councillor for the St John and All Saints ward, covering Highcliffe and Winnall. He is now the longest-serving city councillor.

Among Cllr Pines' achievements, said Cllr Beckett, were initiatives for play schemes in the 1970s, improved council play areas in the 1980s as well as campaigning for neighbourhood wardens and free access to museums.

Cllr Pines is the first Labour mayor for nearly 40 years, following Stan Spicer in 1970, and possibly the first ex-King Alfred College student to become first citizen.

He worked at Winnall Primary from 1972 to 2004 after four years at Alresford Primary School, and a research year at Montgomery School, now Kings'.

Cllr Beckett said it was time to retire when a four-year-old boy, looking around the school, "announced to the world that Mr Pines taught my mum and my gran'."

Seconding him was Therese Evans, leader of the Lib Dems. She praised Cllr Pines' escort, Denise Baker, 79, who will strike a first when she takes part in a parachute jump for charity later this year.

Cllr Pines said afterwards: "I'm very honoured. It will be a challenge.

"What I want to do is represent the whole district, not just my ward of Winnall and Highcliffe. Though if Winnall and Highcliffe do get slightly more favour, I'm sure other people will understand!"

His four nominated charities will be: Age Concern; Young Carers;Friends of the Family and Youth Options.

Cllr Pines also announced the Mayor Winchester Award to recognise the often-unsung contribution that volunteers make to the quality of life of Winchester.

Retiring mayor Cllr Nelmes announced that her charity fund-raising had gathered some £30,000, largely from the mayor's ball and a tea party at her escort's house, internationally-renowned hair stylist Guy Kremer.

Michael Read was elected deputy mayor.