Swale gets its new mayor tonight. Conservative Cllr Colin Prescott, who represents East Downs, takes over from Sheppey’s Cllr Lesley Ingham at Merlins nightclub, Leysdown, at 7pm. The public can watch the ceremony for free.

The former nurse who often turned up at events on her mobility scooter has proved to be one of the borough’s most popular mayors.

She said today: “Today is the last day of one of the best years of my life. Tonight I hand the mayoral chains to my successor. It has been a fab year. I have met some wonderful people. Thank you everyone who has supported me.”

On her Facebook page friends and colleagues have left many tributes.

Carly Morris wrote: “You did amazing! We are all so proud of you.”

Beverley Nolker wrote: “You have been a brilliant mayor and (your daughter) Ashlee Brawn has been a wonderful mayoress.”

Dawn Cockburn from the Harmony Therapy Trust commented: “You have been one of the best. You have supported your community and far beyond and you have done a great job.”

Even Swale council’s former chief executive Abdool Kara said: “It was great working with you.”

Henry Cooper added: “You've done a great job. Let’s hope the next one can follow in your footsteps.”

Cllr Prescott from Seasalter Road, Graveney, near Faversham, is currently the deputy mayor. He is also vice-chairman of the licensing committee and serves on the planning committee.

The mayor-making ceremony is part of the council’s annual meeting. It will be adjourned after the ceremony and reconvened at the council chamber in East Street, Sittingbourne, tomorrow night (Wednesday) for more routine work to be completed.

A Swale council spokesman said: “The mayor-making ceremony moves around the borough to allow as many residents as possible to go along.”