HAVERFORDWEST’s new mayor has commended the work of the town council over the past two years, as she accepted her chain of office.

Cllr Sue Murray was made mayor of Pembrokeshire’s county town at a ceremony in Bethesda Baptist Church, Barn Street, on Thursday, May 17.

Cllr Murray gave thanks to her fellow councillors for their hard work since the local elections in 2016, as many had newly joined the council at that time.

She also thanked her predecessor as mayor, Cllr Alan Buckfield.

“You have kept our council upright and progressive during a changeover of councillors after local elections,” she said.

“Your knowledge of standing orders and history of the town has ensured and provided a valuable asset to all.”

Cllr Murray will be the mayor for the next two years, a change which was made last year, when the town council voted to lengthen the term from one year.

The council reasoned that this would allow the mayor a longer period of time to carry out their duties and believed it would spare the public purse some extra cost.

During the annual meeting of council, members also elected a new sheriff, Cllr Chris Thomas, who took over the role from Cllr Gillian Howell.

Cllr Alan Buckfield succeeded Cllr Murray as Deputy Mayor.

Town councillors all took their oath of office during the meeting, and also ratified the dates of council and committee meetings for the 2018-19 year.

The council also appointed Miss Michaela Squelch and Mr David Williams as sergeants at mace, and Mrs Patricia Hall was appointed sergeant at arms.

There was also music from classical singer Seren Jade of Milford Haven, and Haverfordwest VC School Choir, who performed two songs from their planned repertoire for the Urdd Eisteddfod at Builth Wells later this month.

Father Alan Evans gave a benediction at the end of the ceremony, before the town council left for a meal at the Count Showground pavilion.