A ceremony will be held to bless a new ceremonial badge belonging to the Mayoress.

It replaces the intricate badge which was stolen and destroyed last year.

The badge, which was 117-years-old, was stolen from Carlisle City Council’s headquarters in January 2016.

The 18-carat gold item, which belonged to the Mayoress of Carlisle, was taken from a strong room within the Civic Centre.

Council officials reported the theft to Cumbria Police sparking an investigation.

The item was part of the official ceremonial regalia and was worth between £45,000 and £55,000.

A police investigation led to the recovery of parts of the badge - the rest of which had been broken up and destroyed.

Former security guard Gavin Fletcher, of Penrith, - who was working at the Civic Centre following the floods - was charged with theft and later jailed for the offence.

He used a hammer to smash the badge up and then sold it for £500 to a Penrith jewellers.

He used the money to buy a tumble dryer, TV and shopping.

The mayoress usually dons the badge as part of official mayoral engagements, when she accompanies the mayor.

It was bought in 1899 officially for the mayoress of Carlisle.

It was made of 18-carat gold and was made by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Limited – the same company which made a new chain and badge for the mayor in 1898.

Her badge cost £62 at the time, while the mayor’s badge cost £65.

The service, to bless the new badge, takes place at the Civic Centre on Wednesday , April 26 at 1pm.