A civic leader who left school only a few years ago is calling on his town’s pupils to put their views forward and shape the future of the community.

Craig Wilson, aged 22, who is thought to be the youngest mayor in Britain, has recently taken office at Whitland Town Council, where his mum and dad are also councillors.

And in a real family affair for the Wilsons, who live in Tavernspite, as Craig’s 20-year-old sister, Clair, will serve as his mayoress until she goes off to Aberystwyth University in September.

“I hope I’ll be able to show that the younger generation is interested in what goes on in the town,” said Craig, who is also a governor at Whitland Primary School.

“Both schools in Whitland have their own councils which have really good ideas, and I plan to liaise with them.”

Craig is a former pupil of Tenby’s Greenhill School and now works alongside dad Robert in their home improvement business, as well as taking a part-time plumbing course at Pembrokeshire College and working at weekends in Manorbier Garden Centre.

He was co-opted onto the council in Whitland two years ago, and was last year’s deputy mayor.

Said his mum Carol, who has also served as Whitland’s mayor: “We are proud parents, and will support Craig and Clair as much as possible during the next year.”