MACE bearers from all over the country will be descending on Ripon next week to see the instalment of a new Prime Warden.

Serjeant at Mace for the City of Ripon Jim Vauvert will be installed as the Prime Warden for the Guild of Mace bearers for 2017 to 2018 on Thursday, March 2 in the Quire of the Cathedral.

Mr Vauvert has been the Serjeant at Mace for the city for 16 years and one of the Hornblowers for 22 years.

On Wednesday, March 1, after a private reception, the mace bearers will witness the Setting of the Watch, and on Thursday the event will begin with a parade from the Town Hall to the Cathedral for the Installation ceremony at 9.45am.

On Friday morning, members will attend the mace bearers' annual general meeting in the council chambers at Ripon Town Hall.