There's a new name on Narberth's prestigious Mayoral chain.

Clr. Mrs. Ruth Platt was elected First Citizen at the town council's annual general meeting on Tuesday night.

Born and bred in Narberth, of which she is very proud, Clr. Mrs. Platt is following in the footsteps of her mother, the late Mrs. Enid Thomas, who was the town's first lady Mayor.

A member of the town council for nearly 10 years, this is the first time that Clr. Mrs. Platt has donned the scarlet robes of office herself.

When her mother, the late Mrs. Enid Thomas was Mayor in 1981, Clr. Mrs. Platt was her Mayoress.

"That was a great privilege for me and I have very good memories of that year," she said.

Clr. Mrs. Platt, who works in the social services department at Pembrokeshire County Council, is also actively involved with a number of local groups and organisations.

She has been secretary for over 25 years of the Narberth branch of Royal British Legion's Women's Section and was previously county secretary for Pembrokeshire for a number of years.

At present, she is the chairman of the Narberth Winter Carnival committee, but prior to that was the treasurer of the committee and also treasurer of the Civic Week committee for a number of years.

"I am looking forward to being Mayor for the forthcoming year accompanied by my husband Mike as my consort," said Clr. Mrs. Platt.

"I am also looking forward to working with all the organisations, charities and businesses, as the events and activities that the townsfolk put on are second to none, and that is what makes Narberth such a wonderful town as we all work together.

"As Narberth is situated in the heart of Pembrokeshire, I am also pleased to say that Narberth is also in my heart, and I will do everything in my power as Mayor to make the year a success."

Clr. Mrs. Platt's nomination as Mayor was proposed by outgoing Mayor, Clr. Ms. Suzanne Radford-Smith and seconded by Clr. Colin Williams. All councillors were in favour.

After being presented with the chain of office, Clr. Mrs. Platt's first duty was to ask for nominations for Deputy Mayor.

Clr. Owain Martin proposed Clr. Colin Williams, which was seconded by Clr. Eric Feetham. Again, all councillors were in favour.

Clr. Williams - who has been Mayor himself on four previous occasions - thanked his fellow councillors for honouring him with the Deputy Mayor's job.

"I will do my best to support Ruth and my fellow councillors so we can all work together and do our best for the town," he said.

Clr. Williams also thanked Clr. Ms. Radford-Smith for all her hard work during her year in office.

"We have all enjoyed working with you," he said.

Congratulations were also extended to Clr. Mrs. Platt by County Councillor Elwyn Morse, who represents the Narberth Rural Ward on Pembrokeshire County Council.

"Congratulations Clr. Radford-Smith on a very eventful year and on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, congratulations on your appointment Clr. Mrs. Platt and best wishes for the forthcoming year."

The Mayor's allowance - which had been set at the precept meeting in January - was confirmed as £1,800.

OUTGOING MAYOR's thanks

Before presenting the chain of office to Clr. Mrs. Platt, Clr. Ms. Radford-Smith reflected on her 'enjoyable' year of office.

"I have travelled around the county representing our town and have met some wonderful people," she said.

"The other Mayors have all been very supportive of me as the newcomer on the scene. Each town in Pembrokeshire has its own character and charm, but every town praises Narberth for its uniqueness and community spirit, which has made me very proud."

She thanked all the councillors and county councillor who had helped and supported her during the last 12 months.

In addition, she thanked Clr. Mrs. Platt, who had served as her Deputy Mayor, and had attended functions she was not able to go to.

She also thanked Clrs. Colin Williams and Owain Martin for their hard work to make the civic service happen and Clr. David Norcross who had always been there to help and guide her and sometimes give her words of caution when she got too hot-headed about things.

She continued: "Thanks to all the other councillors who have made chairing the meetings, not only easy, but also fun. I am always amazed and delighted at how we can disagree on points, but yet we never fall out with each other and always find a compromise which benefits the people of the town.

"My Auntie Pauline has been a wonderful Mayoress and has accompanied me to many events and helped me dress myself properly when I could not put on my robes and chains on my own.

"My thanks also to Ceris Hewlings, of the Tenby, Narberth and Whitland Observer, and David Gibbs, who cover our meetings and keep our discussions in the eye of the people, who we are ultimately here to serve.

"Also, my enormous thanks to Caroline, my clerk, without whom I would have struggled through the year."

And she added: "I thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be Mayor and First Citizen of this wonderful town. I hope I have served you and the town well. I wish my Mum and Dad had been here to see it, but it was not to be.

"I know I have done things a bit differently on occasions and other councillors worried about that at first, but I believe I have upheld the traditions of the town and being a Mayor.

"I am sad to be standing down, but am looking forward to helping and supporting Ruth as our new Mayor - I know she will do a superb job of it."