A 100-YEAR-OLD tradition was upheld in Darlington yesterday when a former mayor gave a civic gift to her successor.

Councillor Doris Jones, the Mayor of Darlington last year, made the presentation to the present mayor, Councillor Ron Lewis, in the Mayor's Parlour.

Since 1902, departing mayors have given a gift to the borough. Before that they were expected to purchase a link for the mayor's chain.

Coun Jones' gift, a frame containing the 1974 Royal Charter conferring borough status on Darlington, will go on display in the council suite foyer.