Fittingly, the new Admiral of the Port of Haverfordwest plans to make better use of the river. Councillor (cllr) Alan Buckfield, who took office as mayor and admiral at Thursday's mayor-making ceremony at Tabernacle Congregational Church, has already invited coracles back to the Cleddau during Festival Week, and is considering further ways of exploiting the river's potential.

Cllr Buckfield, who has lived in Pembrokeshire since 1988, succeeded Cllr Barbara Shone. His wife Jill is mayoress.

Cllr Barbara Morgan succeeded Cllr Roy Thomas as Sheriff. Her Sheriff's Lady is Mrs Corinne Codd. Cllr Rev Chris Gillham was elected deputy mayor while the Sergeants-at-Mace Nick Wonnacott and John Feehan and the Sergeant-at-Arms, Hannah Jones, were reappointed.

The outgoing mayor's chaplain, Cllr Shone, was praised by the new mayor for her innovative ideas and dedicated service.

The outgoing mayor's last official action was to honour Norah Evans, founder of the Pembrokeshire Disabled Bowlers' Club and long-time worker for other charities, with the Council's Award of Merit.

The family of Councillor Rhys Sinnett was on hand to congratulate him on his recent election as mayor of Milford Haven.

His wife Mayoress Maggie Sinnett and their children Elin, aged ten, and Owain, aged 13, watched proudly as outgoing mayor, Cllr Phyllis Williams transfered the chains of office onto what she described as 'worthy shoulders'.

The Milford-born man, well known for his activities both locally and nationally, was elected at a town council meeting on May 16th.

A new mayor of Pembroke Dock adorned his ceremonial garb in the town's Pater Hall on Thursday evening.

Councillor (cllr) Ron Watts took over the reins from the outgoing mayor, Cllr Don Esmond after the short ceremony. He said: "Don will be a difficult act to follow, as will all those who have gone before me."

He took as his deputy mayor Cllr Sue Perkins.