TWO former councillors hijacked a civic reception organised to thank community groups and dignitaries for their work over the past year, to deliver a message from a mayor signed off with stress.

Ferndown Town Council deputy mayor Roberta Lovett had just finished welcoming guests to the reception at the Barrington Theatre on Friday March 9 when former councillor Douglas Lock set off a personal alarm.

Ferndown resident Mr Lock, 74, who chairs the Neighbourhood Watch, told the silenced 120-strong audience that the alarms were for sale at £5 each.

He introduced former mayor John Rigler, 73, who had used the diversion to step on to the stage.

Mr Rigler announced he had been asked to make a presentation on mayor Liz Stevens' behalf.

Stunned guests including town councillors, Chris Chope MP and East Dorset District Council chief executive Alan Breakwell watched as Mr Rigler handed out gifts to two of the three members of the mayor's town council office, to thank them for their support, but not deputy clerk Paul Falconbridge.

Mr Rigler said: "Ms Stevens would also like me to pay a special tribute to all those members of the public and the traders of the town who have offered kind words of support to her, and flowers and chocolates as an expression of their belief in her in recent weeks."

Mr Rigler told the crowd that the Standards Board for England had cleared Mrs Stevens of any allegation of wrongdoing levelled at her by her own council.

Dressed in full evening attire with a red bow tie and cummerbund, Mr Rigler then alleged that he had faced "similar unfounded accusations, similar threats and similar bullying" while he was mayor over allegations of missing charity money.

He told the Echo his motivation had been to help Liz Stevens, whose council has asked her to step down.

"I thought this has got to stop. This was the ideal time to do it," he said.

"It was a coup. I had tumultuous applause. People came and shook my hand."

Councillor Lesley Dedman said: "John Rigler used the present problems of councillor Liz Stevens as a front to air his own grievances against the council from three years ago.

"He embarrassed both the guests and the councillors with his tirade, and did Liz no favours by airing her views in her absence, upon her request, in this particular forum."

Guests Jackie and Richard Blunderfield, the president of the Ferndown Chamber of Commerce, left in disgust.

Mrs Blunderfield said: "We both walked out in disgust. I was appalled. The general reaction was shock, open mouths. Nobody knew what to do."

Ferndown Town Council's Paul Falconbridge issued a statement on Monday which read: "The town council regrets the disturbance caused by Douglas Lock and the unscheduled speech of John Rigler during the Annual Civic Reception. It is understood by all that this pleasant annual occasion is held to honour those volunteer and community groups who serve Ferndown.

"To interrupt this event with a speech including highly confidential and sensitive issues, with unfounded allegations was entirely inappropriate.

Mayor Liz Stevens told the Echo she had no comment at the present time.