A former rugby union referee who tackled a streaker at Twickenham is the new mayor of Epsom and Ewell.

From Wednesday: What is it like being the mayor of Epsom and Ewell? Councillor Chris Frost tells all as he hands over the chains

Councillor George Crawford took over the borough’s mayoral chains from outgoing mayor Chris Frost at the council’s annual meeting this week.

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He is known within the borough for busking for charity, and more widely for tackling a streaker while refereeing the semi-final of the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham in 1985.

From October 2013: VIDEO: Busking councillor George Crawford strums ukulele at Ashley Centre in Epsom

Cllr Crawford joined the Metropolitan Police in 1962 and eventually rose to the rank of Chief Superintendent. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal at the end of his policing career in 1992.

He would then go on to work as head of security for both Wimbledon and Crystal Palace FC’s Selhurst Park stadium.

Alongside his police and security career he fostered a keen passion for rugby union and played for both London Irish and the Metropolitan Police before retiring to take up refereeing.

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He would go on to referee junior internationals and the final of the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham in 1986. While refereeing the semi-final at Twickenham the year before, he famously tackled a streaker (pictured above).

Mayor Crawford was first elected to the council in 1999, and after taking a four-year break from the council to care for his late wife, was re-elected in 2011 for Cuddington ward.

During his time as a councillor he had served as chairman on the Crime and Disorder Committee, and was an active member of the council’s Human Resources Panel, Crime and Disorder and Scrutiny Committee and Social Committee.

Speaking at the annual council meeting on Tuesday, May 17, he said: “As I become mayor of this friendly, caring borough, I wish to enhance the well-being of the people of Epsom and Ewell who for 45 years have made me so welcome.”

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For his mayoral year, Cllr Crawford has decided to raise funds for local Macmillan Cancer Support. He has always been interested in palliative care as his late wife suffered from multiple sclerosis for many years.

Cllr Crawford told the Epsom Guardian he hopes to help Epsom Hospital fund a new Macmillan Cancer Support nurse.

He wishes to raise as much money as he can for the betterment of the lives of those who suffer from cancer in Epsom and Ewell.

For more information on the Mayor's Charity Fund, forthcoming events and booking details visit www.mayorscharitiesepsom.org.uk Councillor Liz Frost was elected as Cllr Crawford’s deputy.

To donate to Macmillan Cancer Support, visit Cllr Crawford's fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/george-crawford2