THE mayor of Neyland was joined by friends, family and local dignitaries at a special service at St Clement's Church on Sunday, to officially celebrate her election.

Cllr Margaret Brace, who is serving as mayor for the third time, said her priorities for the year would be progressing with the second phase of the Neyland Play Park project, maintaining and expanding Neyland's twinning with Sanguinet, in France, and ensuring there was more housing for elderly people.

The service was officiated by mayor's chaplain, Rev Alan Chadwick, with performances of Benedictus and the Neyland Anthem - with lyrics composed by deputy mayor Simon Hancock - by Neyland Ladies' Choir, conducted by Lynne Kelleher accompanied by Peter Griffiths.

Parade Marshall Cllr Dave Boswell led the procession to a reception at Neyland Athletic Club where the mayor revealed she would be raising money for HOPE MS Centre and Neyland Youth Centre.

She said the youth centre, which recently moved to new premises, had worked hard to revamp their building, but more was to be done to support the service, and the 'young people of our town who are our future'.

Cllr Brace was also presented with a personal award from Cllr Wynne Evans, chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, in recognition of her longstanding involvement with the HOPE MS Centre.

"Margaret has done some outstanding work in fundraising for the HOPE Centre, and in doing so helped many sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis," said Cllr Evans, who has personal links with the service.

"She is a 'back-seat' person, never pushing herself to the front, but it’s people like her who make things happen, and she certainly deserves this award."

Cllr Brace said she was "very proud" to receive the award.