But although Councillor Jackie Branson, who took over from Hayling East councillor John Smith in early May – 12 months after the former London policeman was handed the chain by long-serving Hayling Tory Vic Pearce-Jones – is from the "mainland," she does have some strong ties with the Island.

Jackie's family were keen sailors and through three generations they have been regular visitors to Hayling – whatever the weather.

And she lists coastal defences among one of her keen areas of interest as a councillor.

She hopes to hold her Mayor's Charity Ball on Hayling – as have her two predecessors.

It will be an all-female affair for civic life in the borough as Leigh Park councillor Yvonne Weeks was chosen as the deputy Mayor.

It will be only the fifth time in 36 years the council has had a female mayor and deputy, and both women are looking forward to the challenge.

Cllr Branson took over the role at a ceremony at Havant Borough Council and put charity at the top of her priorities for the year.

She has promised to champion the Elizabeth Foundation, which supports pre-school children who are deaf.

The mother-of-two, who represents St Faith's ward, said she knew from first-hand experience how difficult life could be if you are hard of hearing.

The 62-year-old said: "I am deaf in one ear and my late father returned from the war severely deaf.

"My first cousin was left deaf from meningitis so I know the problems with not being able to communicate.

"My father stopped mixing with anyone outside the family, as even with a hearing aid life was difficult for him.

"The Elizabeth Foundation does such wonderful work and I'm proud to support them."

Outgoing mayor Cllr Smith raised almost £12,000 for three charities during his time in office and said, despite being exhausted from a whirlwind year, he and his wife Hilary wouldn't have missed a thing.

He said: "My wife and I have attended 360 engagements and it has been tiring, especially late nights and early starts, but we would not have missed a minute of it.

"It has been a privilege and an honour to serve the borough. We've met so many interesting and wonderful people who live and work here."

But the highlight of his mayoral year was the engagements with the military, especially the 47th Regiment Royal Artillery based at Thorney Island.

At the end of April, he and his wife pinned the Imjin flowers to the soldiers' lapels, which Cllr Smith said was one of the proudest moments of their lives.

Mr Smith has helped raise funds for the Hayling branch of Diabetes UK, The Rowans Hospice and Havant Women's Aid, which helps victims of domestic abuse.

Bromley-born Cllr Branson, a retired teacher, is also supporting the Off the Record counselling service for young people.

Councillor Branson, who is divorced, will be asking friends and family to stand in as her consort during her year in office.

She told more than 200 people assembled at the mayor-making that she was proud to represent Havant.

"Too many people look at the things they don't like about the area but I think we are so lucky to live here in this wonderful part of England," she said.

"We have so much to be proud of. I have always believed that Havant is a wonderful place for people to live and work and bring up their children."