WHEN Kevin Wargen was appointed as the 627th Mayor of Hereford 12 months ago, he did not realise what the role meant to the city’s residents.

But, as he is about to step down from the post, he said he had been overwhelmed by the response he has had and said it had been the best thing that he had done.

“I was surprised about the level of respect that people give you and how they seem in awe when you walk into a room or open an event,” said Coun Wargen, who will hand over to Councillor Sylvia Daniels on Monday.

“It has certainly exceeded my expectations and is the best thing that I have ever done.”

Coun Wargen said that he had experienced many highlights during the past year, but he was especially delighted when he met his musical heroes.

“I am a huge Mott the Hoople fan and they recently came to the mayor’s parlour,” he said.

“We spent an evening reminiscing and they presented me with a box set of CDs, which was fantastic.

“I love music and have enjoyed going to all the musical events.

“Glasgow Phoenix Choir even sang Flower of Scotland to my wife when they asked to have a look around the parlour – that was definitely her most outstanding moment.”

The chosen mayor’s charity was St Michael’s Hospice and Coun Wargen said that between £11,000 and £12,000 had been raised, with a Christmas ball and a football match between a Mayor’s XI and a Pegasus veterans side contributing greatly.

“I am very proud of the way people in Hereford raise money, not just for the mayor’s charity, but for all charities,” he said.

“I would have maybe liked to see more money raised, but you have to take the economic factor into consideration.

“The last few months have been tough with the amount of empty shops, but it is still a beautiful place to live.”