ANCIENT ceremony was observed in the Great Hall of Constable's Tower at Dover Castle as the 208th Deputy Constable, Brigadier David Santa-Ollalla, was inducted. Under the vaulted ceiling of the chamber in which Hubert de Burgh once held court, the solemn ritual of handing over the red-ribboned scroll and massive key, was performed by outgoing Deputy Constable Brigadier Trevor Minter.

It was witnessed by Sir Alastair Aird, Private Secretary to the Queen Mother, Constable of the Castle. Other dignatories attending included the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lord Kingsdown, the High Sheriff Alan Willett, all the Mayors of the Cinque Ports, and Cllr Wendy Hansell, chairman of Dover District Council.

Not only was Brigadier Minter and his wife, Liz, leaving the Army's most prestigious married quarters, it was also his last day as a serving officer.