An Exeter resident has been appointed as the city's first ever female Mace Sergeant to the Lord Mayor.
Elaine Underhill, 62, from Exwick, undertook her first official engagement on Monday for the visit to the city of Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal.
She is the first woman to be chosen for the ceremonial role, based at the Exeter Guildhall, in around 800 years.
Her duties will include arrangements for hospitality and functions, and driving the Lord Mayor's limousine as a chauffeur.
Elaine said: "It's quite an honour. The role has been in existence for a very long time. Traditionally it's been a man's role, but I hadn't realised until recently I was the first woman to be appointed. I'm very proud."
She began the job before Christmas after working in an Exeter High Street bank for around 25 years.
Elaine said: "I thought it would be something different to do as I'm semi-retired now. I've always been fascinated by the Guildhall building, and so I thought I'd try for the job. But I was quite surprised to get it."
During her visit Princess Anne opened Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau's new offices in Dix's Field.
Elaine added: "I thoroughly enjoyed her visit. It was brilliant. I stood in line next to the Lord Mayor who she spoke with."
The purpose of the relief Mace Sergeant role is to serve at ceremonial and official functions.
It includes ensuring the Guildhall building is maintained to a high standard, and that the public are welcomed and guided when it is open as a civic museum.
One of the requirements is to carry a Mace during formal Civic Processions and organise the ceremonial elements of civic events.
Other activities include the hoisting and taking down of flags from the Guildhall, ordering laundry and collecting mail from the civic centre.
Another responsibility is for the security of the Guildhall artefacts – ensuring the alarm and fire protection systems are operative at all times.
The job is part-time, and hours vary depending on staff levels needed for functions.
Elaine said she will continue working in the bank part-time, alongside her responsibilities as Mace Sergeant.
She added: "I'm looking forward to talking with the public and being part of a team. These days there are many jobs that women are being given the chance to do for the first time, and this role is just another one of those."
