A TRADITIONAL ceremony dating back to the Middle Ages was performed in Richmond on Saturday.
Mayor Stuart Parsons was dressed in full civic regalia as he led a procession from the town hall to Trinity Tower where the First Fruits ceremony was held.
A sample of grain was tested by local miller Bill Meynell, who declared it was a very good crop.
Mr Meynell has performed the ritual for 65 years and was given a bottle of champagne to mark the occasion.
The ceremony dates back to the Middle Ages when people depended on the success of each year's harvest.
Coun Parsons said: "It is a symbolic gesture. This year, the corn was judged to be a very, very good sample. Apparently the summer has been very good for the grain."
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