IT was a family affair in Godmanchester on Monday – but one with an historical difference.

The town’s new mayor, Christopher Vane Percy, marked the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by wearing the mayoral chains worn by his great-grandfather’s cousin – Philip Edward Tillard – to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

They were commissioned for the event in June 1897.

“I must be the only mayor in the country to have a family member who was also mayor for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee,” he said.

“It’s a great honour to be mayor for this event especially with the family history.”

Cllr Vane Percy held the town’s beacon lighting event at his home Island Hall, attracting more than 250 people, including deputy Lord Lieutenant Sir Charles Chadwyck-Healey.

Cllr Vane Percy said: “After we lit the beacon we watched a firework display which was reflected on the River Great Ouse. We also played the Queen’s Coronation music, so the night felt quite inspiring.”

Also on Monday, the Exhibition and The White Hart pubs held Jubilee parties.

The Comrades Club, in Cambridge Street, organised a party with a Punch and Judy show from magician Billy Banana, bouncy castle, music and food on Tuesday.

Residents of Jarwood Walk and Comben Drive held a street party on the green at Mansio Place on Sunday where there was a children’s castle-making competition, an adult’s crown-making competition, a tug of war, games, barbecue and bouncy castle.

Party co-ordinator Louise Copper said: “There is an amazing community spirit in this neighbourhood. Despite the weather, everyone entered everything and took part.”

Former mayor Alan Welton celebrated the Jubilee with 20 of his neighbours in his garden on Tuesday and Croftfield Road had face painting and garden games at a street party.