TRIBUTES have flooded in for a former mayor and public figure of Haverfordwest who died last week.

As well as being a mayor, Beryl Thomas-Cleaver was a former Preseli Pembrokeshire District councillor and Haverfordwest town councillor.

Son Stephen Thomas said the family are devastated by the loss.

"Beryl was a proud Harford and Sir Benfro servant who had a selfless commitment to improving the lives of Harford people.

"She adored her sister Margaret Heapy and brother Brian Cleaver. Most of all she adored her four grand children Eleth, Rhiannon, Seren and Luc Austin, and son-in-law Christopher who all knew Beryl as 'Grandma yellow house'.

"We are all devastated at her passing but immensely proud of her legacy."

One of Mrs Thomas-Cleaver's greatest contributions to the town was the work she did at Portfield School.

Cllr Tim Evans, who is one of the governors of the school, said he was saddened to hear of her passing.

"We had the pleasure of knowing Beryl for over 40 years. In those years Beryl immersed herself within the local community by sitting on numerous local organisations and charitable trusts.

"She was a sterling advocate of advancement of all youngsters regardless of ability or background, and was truly loved and cherished by all the children of the school."

Along with her work as a councillor and school governor Mrs Thomas-Cleaver was also Haverfordwest town mayor twice. The post ran in the family with her brother, Brian Cleaver, mayor of Port Elgin in Canada.

Current mayor of Haverfordwest Alan Buckfield described Mrs Thomas-Cleaver as an 'indefatigable worker in many areas of town life'.

"Beryl sat on the committees of, amongst others, Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport, PAVS, and Age Concern and her interest in music was shown by her involvement with the town band and the Torch Theatre.

"The town has lost a distinguished citizen who will be sadly missed by all who knew her."

Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Mike James, added: “Mrs Thomas-Cleaver was a stalwart supporter of many local organisations and causes.

"We recognise and appreciate the extremely valuable work which she undertook there.”

Among her many roles Mrs Thomas-Cleaver was also a founding trustee and member of the Haverfordwest Museum committee from 1995 until she retired in 2018.

Simon Hancock, curator of Haverfordwest Town Museum said: "We will remember her support to the museum. Beryl was always so positive and encouraging. She cared passionately about the history of the county town."

Even opponents across the political divide paid their respects, with Labour councillor Tom Tudor saying: "Despite our different political views, she was indeed a dedicated councillor to the people in Haverfordwest and I am very much great full for her service and she will be very much missed."

Mrs Beryl Thomas-Cleaver died at Withybush Hospital on the morning of October 20. She was 84.