Wells is looking for someone to look after its ceremonial mace — with a gown, hat and white gloves supplied. The city council opened applications on Friday for a voluntary Serjeant-at-Mace, with a small expenses allowance.

Duties include carrying the mace into council meetings, announcing the mayor's arrival and welcoming guests. The successful applicant will attend six council meetings a year, currently on Thursday evenings, alongside civic occasions such as church services and royal visits.

The appointment continues a tradition recorded in Queen Elizabeth I's charter of 1589, which gave Wells the right to appoint two mace bearers. Their responsibilities once extended well beyond ceremonial appearances, including duties connected with the courts and the city's prison.

By 1835, the mace bearers were also acting as peace officers. Their modern role centres on supporting civic functions and safeguarding the maces.

The city's present silver-gilt maces were acquired in 1660, shortly after the restoration of Charles II. Council accounts record a purchase price of £38 and 10 shillings.

Punctuality and confidentiality are required, with events often at weekends. Applicants should send a one-page letter explaining their suitability to the Mayor, Cllr Denise Denis, via [email protected], by 14 November.

Further details are available from the Mayor's Serjeant-at-Mace, Colin Price, on 07748 221575. The council's vacancy notice sets out the application arrangements.

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