The last council-appointed female mayor of Woking has revealed she was given a playful slap by the King during a recent engagement in London.

Cllr Amanda Boote gave a rundown of the many highlights she has experienced over the last year before handing over the mayoral chains on Tuesday, May 19.

The Byfleet councillor has attended 240 engagements and has raised more than £20,000 for one of Woking’s most important organisations during her 12 months in office.

And her “incredible year” also included making HRH King Charles laugh in an unforgettable moment.

“It has been probably the best year of my life,” said Cllr Boote, adding: “It has been such an honour and a privilege to represent the borough of Woking.”

“This is something I said to His Royal Highness King Charles when I was fortunate enough to meet him at the Buckingham Party garden party the week before last.

“He asked me if I was looking forward to a rest after being mayor, and I did say I cannot lie, I am.

“I told him I really felt for him as he never gets to stop and have a rest as we mayors do after our busy year.

“With that he roared with laughter, slapped me on the shoulder and said: Don’t you ever forget that.”

Cllr Boote thanked her consort, David, and multiple others for their help and support over the last year, with a special mention for her fundraising committee.

She raised more than £20,000 for Citizens Advice Woking following a year of events which included a civic service, mayor’s ball, ladies lunch and fundraising event at Woking Football Club.

She said: “The money will enable this incredible charity to train more volunteers and continue to help the one in ten adults they already support across our borough.”