It was a double celebration for Tenby's newly-installed Mayor at last Friday's Mayor-making ceremony, as Clr. Trevor Hallett not only celebrated taking on the role of the town's first citizen for a third time, but it was also his birthday the night before.

Clr. Hallett was officially sworn in to don the scarlet robes of office at the ceremony held in the town's De Valence Pavilion, and said that it was an "honour and a privilege" to have been elected the 622nd Mayor of Tenby.

Naming Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas (who was unable to attend the ceremony) as Deputy Mayor, his sister Mrs. Maureen Crockford as his Mayoress and Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane as Deputy Mayoress, Clr. Hallett said that with 75 years experience on the council between himself and his two fellow councillors in those roles, the town should be in safe hands for the next 12 months.

In formally proposing Clr. Hallett to become the new Mayor, Clr. Paul Rapi said that he was the ideal candidate to fill the position as he "thinks with his heart and thinks about the people of the town" and cares about the community.

Clr. Rapi also said that Clr. Hallett's performance in the last elections, where he gained more votes than any other councillor, was a true indication of how the people of Tenby valued him.

Clr. Mrs. Lane gave a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor, saying that Clr. Mrs. Julie Evans had carried out her duties with "great decorum", while Clr. Lawrence Blackhall added that the outgoing Mayor had been "excellent and absolutely passionate" in the way she had promoted Tenby throughout her year in office.

Clr. Mrs. Evans congratulated Clr. Hallett on his appointment and wished him every success for his year in office.

Reflecting on her year as Mayor, she said that it had truly been a year she would never forget - both for the healthy debate that had taken place within the council chamber and for the year of celebrations and anniversaries that had taken place within the town.

"As well as being part of the momentous occasions, I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting clubs, organisations and schools where I always received a very warm welcome," she said, listing among her highlights the 800th anniversary of St. Mary's Church, welcoming HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to the town, and the honour of meeting the royal clergy, Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop Wyn Evans, the Archbishop of St David's..

She also paid tribute to former Town Crier, John Thomas, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

"This was not only a great loss to us as a council, but also to the town," said Clr. Mrs. Evans.

"John, even in his failing health, was committed to his role as Town Crier and I shall never forget him at the last Mayor-making where clearly not in the best of health, he led the proceedings for the evening, saying that he would not let me down. He did not let me down, he did me proud," she added.

Mr. John Morgan was appointed Sergeant at Arms and Mr. Robin Scanlon Sergeant at Mace, while Rev. Andrew Davies was given the role of Mayor's chaplain.

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

Following the loyal toast proposed by Mr. Laurie Dale (who filled in as Town Crier for the evening), Mr. Dennis Reed gave the toast to the Mayor and the town of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Julie Evans proposed the toast to the guests, and Mrs. Rosemary Tippett-Maudsley gave the response from the guests.