Tenby's newly-installed Mayor has outlined her desire to see the resort remain a "vibrant, cosmopolitan town," and has paid tribute to local businesses and fund-raisers who work so hard to support the local economy and community.

At the Mayor-making ceremony on Friday, Clr. Mrs. Julie Evans was officially sworn in to don the town's scarlet robes of office, and said that she felt "immensely proud and honoured" to have been elected the 621st Mayor of Tenby and to be part of a tradition that has been in existence since 1402.

"I never imagined over 30 years ago when I sat around this table at the Guildhall as a young 18-year-old girl, fresh from school, in my first job as secretary to the town council, that one day I would become a councillor, let alone Mayor of this town," she told those in attendance at a ceremony in the Mayor's Parlour.

Clr. Mrs. Evans explained how this early role developed her interest in local government, a sector in which she continued to pursue her career as committee clerk to the former South Pembrokeshire District Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police Authority, with whom she currently holds a position as clerk to the corporation at Pembrokeshire College.

She also paid tribute to former town council minute clerk, Diane Watkins, who sadly passed away last year.

"I had the great pleasure of working with Diane. She was so much more than a colleague and is missed by us all. I know she would have encouraged me to take on this role and would have been really pleased to see me standing here tonight," she said, also thanking her fellow town councillors for their unanimous support, along with her family - husband Gareth and children Bethan and Rhys.

In formally proposing Clr. Mrs. Evans to become the new Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sandra Williams, who will take on the role of Deputy Mayor, said that she was the right person for the job with her wealth of local knowledge. She was seconded by Clr. David Stock.

Finally, Clr. Mrs. Evans thanked departing Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, for allowing her to be her deputy during her record fifth term in office and for the guidance she had given in preparing her for the role.

"You have tirelessly promoted the town through what has been a very challenging year for you in many respects, with the loss of your mother, but despite all these and many other challenges, you have continued to work hard at representing the town as its first citizen, such is the strength of your character," she said.

Clrs. Mrs. Tish Rossiter and Mike Evans echoed these sentiments and congratulated Clr. Mrs. Lane on the success she had achieved in improving the town's gardens and winning another Wales in Bloom title for Tenby, getting the resort into this year's Britain in Bloom finals.

The ceremony was followed by a civic reception in the main hall, where the Mayor was joined by her party and guests.

Following the loyal toast proposed by town crier Mr. John Thomas, Rev. Martin Spain, a former work colleague of Clr. Mrs Evans at Dyfed Powys Police, gave the toast to the Mayor and the town of Tenby.

Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Evans, who will be supporting the charity Ty Hafan Children's Hospice during her year in office, said she was privileged to be the Mayor of such a high profile town and was looking forward to what was sure to be a very exciting, busy and rewarding year ahead for Tenby, with a number of significant celebrations and events taking place in the town - including the 800th celebrations of St. Mary's Church, the 40th anniversary of the Boxing Day Swim, and the celebration of the work of Robert Recorde.