MEMBERS of the public were able to experience civic splendour in Worcester today by trying on the mayoral chain.

The special event allowed children and adults alike to wear the 18-carat gold, diamond-encrusted chain and pose for photographs.

Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Alan Amos, put on the showcase to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the regalia being given to the city’s civic leader in 1864.

He said: “Wherever I go the chain fascinates everybody and people want to see it and touch it.

“It is unusual and unique because it is solid gold and worth a fortune.

“Part of my job as mayor is to sell the city and I want to make people feel welcome in Worcester and to enjoy their time here.

“This will help boost tourism and help bring jobs and economic activity to the city.

“I therefore thought it would be a great idea to let members of the public have the chance to try the chain on and have their photo taken.”

Adam Williams, 35, was just one of the people to take up Cllr Amos’ offer.

He said: “It has been fascinating to hear about the history behind the chain and I was surprised at how heavy it is.”

Another visitor Shirley Olsen, of Diglis, said the chain was “beautiful and gorgeous” while a child who tried it on described the experience as “a brilliant time”.

Cllr Amos added that the initiative was part of his open-door policy and explained that he regularly welcomes visitors into the Mayor’s Parlour in the Guildhall.

“Any members of the public are welcome to come in and to try on the chain”, he said.

“People have visited from all of the world and I love to see the look of delight on their faces.

“Children from primary schools regularly visit too and they always say that trying on the chain is the highlight of their experience.”

He described the chain as “made with great care and purpose” and a “beautiful piece of jewellery” that the city is proud of.

In 1864 the chain was given to the then Mayor of Worcester, Alex Clunes Sherriff, who was responsible for linking the city to the rail network.

For this reason the piece was designed incorporating several railway features, with the 35 chains representing couplings of train carriages.

Attached to the centre link is the 14-carat gold city badge which shows the city crest and the inscription “Mayor of Worcester” in fine enamelling.

The chain was presented by Alderman Sherriff to the city on March 1, 1864, at the end of his mayoralty, and has been worn by his successors in office ever since.