A party of 26 London mayors left their limousines behind when they hopped aboard Tramlink. It was Croydon's chance to shine after similar mayoral away-days to other London boroughs.

Days before, the Mayor of Greenwich had laid on a spread at the Dome and the Mayor of Lambeth had even been able to requisition the London Eye for a spin.

Not to be outdone by his peers, Croydon's outgoing mayor, Councillor Shafi Khan, organised a trip on London's only tram system, followed by a visit to the town's shopping centres.

"I was delighted that nearly every London borough was represented on the special pre-opening test run," said Coun Khan. "A tram full of mayors was a truly exceptional experience.

"As well as being an enjoyable occasion, these exchange visits help mayors learn more about key developments in and around the capital."

After taking the tram from George Street through to the terminus at New Addington and back, the mayors were given an escorted trip around The Whitgift and Drummond shopping centres.

The convoy of 26 limousines then snaked its way to Hamsey Green where they enjoyed lunch at the Panahar Restaurant.