OUTGOING Wycombe mayor Margaret Draper will be watching the calories ahead of the traditional weighing-in of her successor in the town centre today.

Cllr Draper is to be succeeded by Cllr Liaquat Ali at the ceremony, in Frogmoor, that has been a part of Wycombe history since the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Melanie Morgan, from the Mayor's Parlour, said: "High Wycombe is the only town to do the ceremony. It is thought to go back to a visit of Queen Elizabeth who was outraged at the weight the mayor had put on."

The day starts with a procession to the Guildhall in the High Street where the new mayor is officially appointed. Then the newly elected mayor and various dignitaries will make their way to Frogmoor for the weighing-in.

Cllr Draper tipped the scales at 14st 8lb last year. If the weight is less than when the mayor took office the town crier shouts "under" to much applause but a cry of "over" is met with jeers.

Mr Ali admitted that he was excited about his stint as mayor. He said: "I am looking forward to having a good year and I am going to try to do my best for the people of High Wycombe."

Mr Ali's appeal as mayor will be The Environment Centre, in Hollywell Mead, on the Rye.

See Midweek on Tuesday for a picture special