Knowing the correct address for civic dignitaries can be a problem.

But how should a mayor greet his chauffeur when the man behind the wheel holds exactly the same office?

This is the problem facing Bob Carden, the incoming first citizen of Brighton and Hove, whose driver is the mayor-in-waiting of Newhaven.

Robert Robertson, the city's official chauffeur, will drive Councillor Carden to at least 700 public engagements in the 12 months after they both take up their chains of office.

Coun Carden said: "I reckon this is one for the Guinness Book of Records. We will be worshipping each other.

"I am sure we will get along fine. I've met Robert on numerous occasions and he's a very nice chap, full of fun."

Councillor Robertson said: "I once knew a mayor who was a driver for a council leader but I've never heard of a mayor being driven by a mayor before.

"When I drop him off at a function I will have to wait in the car outside."

In Newhaven civic life is somewhat less ceremonial.

As mayor of the town, Coun Robertson will attend about 100 functions but will have to walk as the council's budget doesn't stretch to a chauffeur.

Coun Carden carries on a proud family tradition of civic service - he is a descendant of "the father of modern Brighton", Sir Herbert Carden.

He said: "I feel so honoured to be chosen. It is fantastic just to serve the city. It is a good city, a lovely city.

Outside his new office hangs a portrait of Sir Herbert, a councillor from 1895 until his death in 1941 and mayor of Brighton from 1916 until 1919.

Sir Herbert used his wealth to buy thousands of acres of land surrounding the city and sell it to the council at cost price, saving green fields from housing development.

Coun Carden played down the connection and said his side of the family was disowned generations ago because of an illegitimate birth.

He said: "I'm not really connected with that side of the family. I am an ordinary working guy who is descended from the family. He was the opposite of me. I am not wealthy at all but we are both socialists."

Coun Robertson has been a councillor at Newhaven Town Council for three years and is currently the deputy mayor.