THERE have been 626 mayors of Tenby - but only one who has complemented their red robes with a plaster cast!

An unfortunate fall while playing football on the beach at Easter put Councillor Paul Rapi in hospital for surgery on a broken leg.

But the Greenhill School head of music vowed that the show must go on, and he would take office as mayor of Tenby as planned - with the help of a wheelchair and crutches.

Friday’s traditional ceremony saw him taking over as the town’s first citizen from Councillor Sue Lane, who was delighted to propose Councillor Rapi as mayor.

She said: “He is a Tenby boy through and through, born and bred in the centre of town; attended St Teilo’s Catholic School and worked the school holidays in the family business with his father, making and selling ice-cream.

“I think we are the first St Teilo’s team to hold mayoral roles together…and probably the last! The nuns would have been very proud.”

She hoped that his affinity with the youth of the town would prove invaluable in the year added, and added: “Paul is passionate, driven and committed. I think he is the perfect person to hold office.”

Councillor Lane will now serve as deputy mayor, and was thanked by Councillor Rapi for her ‘outstanding’ service to Tenby during her seven terms of office.

Councillor Caroline Thomas praised Councillor Lane for ‘serving the town of Tenby in such an excellent way’, while Councillor Mike Evans told her: ”You have Tenby on your sleeve, in your heart and in everything you do,.

“This year, you have made Tenby a better place to live, to work and to visit."

A civic reception - with Tenby beach-themed tables - followed in the De valence Pavilion, with dancing to Tukedo Funktion.