New Mayor of Narberth, Clr. Mrs. Ruth Platt, has donned the scarlet robes of office.

She was presented with the coveted chain of office by her predecessor, Clr. Ms. Suzanne Radford-Smith, at Tuesday night's annual general meeting.

The immediate past Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Platt, was unanimously elected for the post after being proposed by Clr. Colin Williams and seconded by Clr. Ms. Radford-Smith.

Clr. Mrs. Platt is no stranger to the role, having served as First Citizen in 2009/10.

She has been a member of the council for 13 years and works as an admin support assistant for Pembrokeshire County Council.

Chairman of the winter carnival committee and long-serving secretary of the women's section of the Royal British Legion, Clr. Mrs. Platt is also involved with Narberth Future Forum, Civic Week, Narberth Area Renewable Energy Group, the Bus Stop Youth Club and Good Neighbour Scheme.

Serving as her deputy will be Clr. Mrs. Sue Rees, while Clr. Mrs. Platt's husband, Mr. Mike Platt, will be her consort.

At Tuesday night's meeting, Rev. Chris Rees blessed Clr. Mrs. Platt's year of office in prayer, while town crier, Ceri Barnes, saluted her with a special 'cry'.

The annual civic parade, service and luncheon will take place as usual in July, heralding the start of the town's Civic Week.

FOOTNOTE: Prior to handing over the chain of office, Clr. Ms. Radford-Smith thanked everyone who had supported her during her 'brilliant' year and wished Clr. Mrs. Platt well for the year ahead. Clr. Eric Feetham thanked Clr. Ms. Radford-Smith for doing 'a very good job' by attending a large number of functions and working hard for the town.

Reflecting on her year, Clr. Ms. Radford-Smith said: "My year as Mayor in 2012 has been a wonderful year. The Olympics took place in my home town of London and we celebrated the Jubilee in my adopted home town of Narberth.

"Narberth Museum opened and has been a success ever since. It has now been shortlisted for the Art Fund Prize Museum of the year 2013; a high accolade for a small, but unique museum.

"2012 also saw another great Civic Week, the best Winter Carnival for several years, a superb Food Festival and the beginnings of a new Narberth Children's Festival."

And she paid tribute to all who had supported her.

"I would like to say thank you to the people of Narberth who have supported me through the year and invited me to many varied and interesting events.

"The Help for Heroes Colossal Cake Sale was one of my last duties and it is hoped that this will become an annual event.

"My thanks also to the councillors who are passionate about Narberth and vocal in our meetings, but always come together for the good of the town they love.

"Caroline Coaker, my clerk, has been a tower of strength and a source of knowledge in all matters relating to council - without her I would not have had such well-conducted and professional meetings. Clr. Ruth Platt has done a wonderful job as my deputy, attending events when I was not able to and I could not have wished for better support.

"I would also like to say congratulations to Ceri Barnes, our Town Crier, who has done a magnificent job this year. It is so good to have a Town Crier once again. Thanks also to Ceris Hewlings at the Observer who always support Narberth and prints lots of our news. My final thanks go to my partner Mike. He did not know quite what he was letting himself in for when he took me on, let alone what was involved in being my consort! He has done an amazing job and been at my side for the whole year. I found as the year went on that he knew more people in Pembrokeshire than I did and we had a very lovely and happy year representing Narberth in Pembrokeshire and Ludlow. It is probably time I let him have a rest now.

"I wish Clr. Ruth Platt every luck in her year as Mayor, Narberth will be brilliantly represented by her. Good luck also to Clr. Sue Rees as her deputy."