Peter May, mace bearer and mayor's chauffeur in Brighton and Hove for the past five years, was right on time for his farewell reception.

Before the merged city council was created he was at Hove Council in the same role.

He is retiring from council duties to set up in business as a toastmaster in Somerset.

Mr May, 57, has had a varied career.

After being in the ambulance and police services, he came to the old Hove Council ten years ago.

He made sure the mayors he cared for were correctly attired and followed protocol. He also ensured they arrived on time.

But for a bomb scare or traffic jam, he was never late, although he had a close call one Remembrance Sunday in Portslade.

He remembers: "I forgot the wreath and we had to go back for it. But we still made it on time."

One of his favourite jobs was giving talks on civic duties in the parlour at Brighton Town Hall.

Mayor David Watkins said: "He always put the council first in whatever he did. He always knew the right thing to do."

Former Mayor Andy Durr said: "He was a dream from my point of view. He let you know exactly what sort of mayor he wanted you to be."