The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor David Horton, will host his first 'At Home' of the civic year, together with the Lady Mayoress, Sheriff and Sheriff's Lady on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - eight months later than usual.

The 'At Home' is an opportunity for York residents to visit the Mansion House, the Lord Mayor's official residence, and meet the new civic party. This year's event was delayed because the Mansion House was closed for work on a new lift, providing disabled access.

The Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, Sheriff and Sheriff's Lady will be present to chat with visitors about what they hope to achieve during their year of office. One person who will welcome the arrival of the belated 'at home' event is the Sheriff of York.

The Sheriff's Lady is presented with a Staff of Office on Lord Mayor's Day, which, traditionally, she should use to keep the Sheriff in order. After the first 'at home' event, the staff is passed to the Lady Mayoress to help her control the Lord Mayor during the civic year.

The Sheriff, Councillor Martin Brumby, said, "Usually, the staff is passed to the Lord Mayoress's Lady shortly after the Mayor's inauguration, but this year it has been in the hands of the Sheriff's lady for eight months. I can't wait for it to be handed across!"

And unusually, the Lady Mayoress, Kathleen Gibson, is the daughter, rather than the partner, of the Lord Mayor.

The Lady Mayoress, said: "I am looking forward to receiving the Staff of Office and am delighted that I have the opportunity to 'guide' my father during the remainder of his year as Lord Mayor!" The 'at home' will begin at 10.00am and finish at 2.00pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2003.