Mayor Nick John has been reunited with his crowning glory.

The gold crown forms part of the chains of office of Worthings first citizen and is worth tens of thousands of pounds. It went missing at a civic ball a week ago.

Party hosts, including Worthing Conservative councillors Nick John, Paul High and Clive Roberts and Splash FM managing director Roy Stannard, were all celebrating 50th birthdays at the event held at the Pavilion Theatre on April 8.

They were lining up to be snapped for The Argus when the mayor realised the gold crown was missing. He feared it could have dislodged while he was dancing.

The 450-guest ball included more than 20 surprise bellydancers and a ballroom dancing masterclass by British champions Warren and Kristi Boyce.