The battles to save Withybush Hospital and its services, to prevent the downgrading of Haverfordwest Fire Station, and to retain the town's fair, will be high on the agenda of the town's new mayor.

Cllr Rev Christopher Gillham is following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Alan Buckfield, in strongly backing these campaigns.

At his mayormaking on Thursday, Cllr Gillham also voiced concern over the future of the historic Shire Hall. But he supported the proposed refurbishment of Foley House and was delighted at the restoration of St Mary's Church.

He referred to one of Haverfordwest's major problems - parking - and suggested a solution would be a park and ride scheme. He also spoke with admiration of Milford Haven's successful bid to become a Fairtrade town and it was his hope to see Haverfordwest start along the same road.

While the powers of the town council were limited, Cllr Gillham hoped it would continue to be a power and strength for the good of Haverfordwest.

He thanked Cllr Alan Buckfield for his outstanding work for the town, often to the detriment of his health.

The mayormaking ceremony was held at the Tabernacle Church of which Cllr Gillham is minister, along with Bethel, Freystrop.

Also installed were deputy mayor, Cllr Roy Thomas; sheriff Cllr Dewi James; mayor's chaplain, Rev T. Arwyn Thomas; Sergeants-at-Mace, Nicky Wonnacott and John Feehan, and Sergeant-at-Arms Hannah Jones.

The lunch was held at the Pavilion, Withybush Showground, where the guest speaker was Rev Geoffrey Eynon and toast to the guests by Cllr Roy Thomas, while Mrs Sally Francis, head of Mount Airey School, responded.

Haverfordwest's twin town of Oberkirch was represented by Gunter and Irene Peters, while friendship town Enniscorthy was represented by a deputation led by the mayor Keith Doyle.