THE ceremonial chain was cast aside for the latest mayoral appointment as he headed a list of councillors who took part in the ice bucket challenge outside the town hall.

The mayor and mayoress Geoff and Carol Pearl were joined by council leader Barrie Grunewald as they were doused with icy water in the name of charity.

They all accepted the challenge to raise money for the Mayor’s Appeal which this year is the Autism and Aspergers Society with further donations going to ALS/Motor Neurone Disease Association.

A cold and wet mayor said: “It’s such a worthy cause and I thought it would be a novel way of raising money for the appeal. I would also like to thank all those who took part.”

The ice bucket challenge craze has swept the world with celebrities from David Beckham to Harrison Ford taking part.

If you want to contribute to the Mayor’s Appeal visit justgiving.com/StHelensMayorsAppeal