ONE of the country s few directly elected mayors, Frank Branston, was invited to Wisbech last Saturday for the re-dedication of the town mace. Unfortunately Mr Branston was otherwise engaged. And it was always going to be thus. For according to a column i

ONE of the country's few directly elected mayors, Frank Branston, was invited to Wisbech last Saturday for the re-dedication of the town mace. Unfortunately Mr Branston was otherwise engaged.

And it was always going to be thus.

For according to a column in Branston's former paper, the Bedfordshire on Sunday, which he launched himself, he would be "required to robe, go to church, hear rededication, process back and enjoy refreshments."

Let columnist, John Ball, take up the rest of the story.

"Thinking the email request had been forwarded from his personal assistant, he emailed back saying he would rather have his teeth pulled without anaesthetic than attend."

Unfortunately the mail was not from his PA but had come direct from the Mayor of Wisbech, Councillor David Oliver.

"Branston receives a pained but restrained response pointing out he would still be welcome," writes Mr Ball.

His deputy Ian Clifton accepted.

Cllr Oliver meanwhile, who welcomed 17 mayors to the ceremony, was sanguine about the whole affair.

"It was a wonderful occasion, "he said.