THE very day after being installed as Mayor of Hereford, a resident enquired of me, “What is the purpose of being the Mayor? What does the Mayor do?” My first and natural reaction was to say “inspire a sense of pride in the hearts of all of our citizens”.

The traditions of the Mayor and the civil duties it represents is the glue that binds us together. It is no accident that the Mayor is invited on average to 400 events during the Mayoral year. It’s because the office of Mayor is so respected and admired.

Yet is the Mayor any more special than any other resident? Of course not. The Mayor is first of all a councillor, and a councillor is your representative.

It is rather special to be put on a pedestal and called ‘First Citizen’ and of course it is such an honour and privilege, but privilege is not without responsibility.

Twice in recent months while working in High Town I have been approach- ed by visitors who have said they like coming to Hereford because it is so clean and tidy. What is it that they see, that we fail to see? Those of us who live here so often have such a downcast view of our city, and think and voice the opposite. We can do better than that.

Pride is not something that can be bought; it must be felt. It must come from within, from the heart. It must motivate that thrilling response.

I am just 5ft 2in, but when I walk across High Town wearing my chain of office I feel 10ft tall, because I am representing you, because it signifies all that we hold firm to with our traditions, 633 years of civic history, of civic pride, and I am the 634th Mayor of Hereford. Your Mayor.

Please help me. Pledge to do one thing each day that you can recognise as a contribution to help lift that sense of pride in our city. I promise you, such a simple act will give you such personal reward if it comes from the heart.

It may be just the simple act of picking up a piece of litter and placing it in a bin, or a little courtesy to one another in town, a bright-eyed smile that says “It is lovely to see you?” is such a welcoming and warming experience, especially to a visitor. Neither of which costs us a penny.

We are so fortunate, so privileged to live and work in one of the most beautiful, peaceful and tranquil places in Britain, and collectively, if we have the will, we can make it so much better.

CHARLES NICHOLLS Mayor of Hereford