A THANKSGIVING service has marked a historic milestone in Somerset's history.

The event at Wells Cathedral on Sunday (March 12) celebrated the contribution and coming together of Somerset’s five councils before the new Somerset Council comes into effect on Saturday, April 1.

Councillors and staff from Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset district councils, and Somerset County Council, took part in the choral evensong at the cathedral.

Cllr Mike Best, chairman of the county council, said: “It was wonderful to see so many attend this very special service giving thanks for what we have collectively achieved over the decades.

“We now look forward to serving the people of Somerset as we turn open a new chapter in our history, working together as a single council, bringing the very best of the past with us as we embark on our shared future.”

The five councils’ chairmen Cllr Best, Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey (Somerset West and Taunton), Cllr Helen Sprawson-White (Mendip), Cllr Alan Bradford (Sedgemoor) and Cllr Paul Maxwell (South Somerset) left their chains of office on the Cathedral’s altar to signify the transition from five councils to one.

WATCH: Video of chairmen placing chains of office on cathedral altar.

The chains, including the insignia of the former West Somerset Council, will be put on display at the Museum of Somerset.