Tenby's Deputy Mayor who has an association with the town council which goes back over 30 years ago is set to be the town's 621st Mayor.

Clr. Mrs. Julie Evans, who has sat on the town council for the past three years as a member, and worked as a secretary/minute clerk for the authority back in the late '70s, was unanimously elected Mayor-designate by her colleagues on Tuesday night.

In time-honoured tradition, current First Citizen, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, asked each councillor present in turn if they wished to put their name forward to succeed her, with only Clr. Mrs. Evans indicating she wished to stand.

Clr. Mrs. Evans, 49, who was born and educated in Tenby, was proposed for the position by Clr. Mrs. Sandra Williams and seconded by Clr. David Stock.

"She will make an excellent first lady for the town with her wide knowledge of Tenby and forward thinking," stated Clr. Mrs. Williams.

After originally working for the town council in 1978, Clr. Mrs. Evans developed an interest in local government and continued her career as committee clerk to the former South Pembrokeshire District Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police Authority.

She is currently clerk to the corporation at Pembrokeshire College.

Married to Gareth, a retired police officer, the couple have two children, Bethan and Rhys.

As secretary to the Tenby Surf Life Saving Club, Clr. Mrs. Evans has played an active role in the development of the Surflink Building at Tenby's South Beach.

"My experience goes back over 30 years to 1978 when I was first appointed secretary/minute clerk to Tenby Town Council," said Clr. Mrs. Evans.

"It was then I developed an understanding of the importance of the town council as a first tier in local government, in representing the views of local people in matters that affect their lives.

"Along with this came an understanding that the public must also have confidence in the way councillors, working together, take forward those views on behalf of the community they serve."

Clr. Mrs. Evans continued: "To be elected Mayor of this historic town is a great honour and privilege and I will do my utmost to fulfil the office of Mayor to the very best of my ability building on the excellent work of previous Mayors.

"I'm very proud to be elected Mayor of a town that has given so much to me and my family."

She added: "I am looking forward to working with my fellow councillors in what promises to be a very exciting year with the 500th anniversary of the birth of Robert Recorde, the 800th anniversary of St Mary's Church and the 40th anniversary of the Boxing Day Swim." 

Clr. Mrs. Evans will don the scarlet robes of office at the Mayor-making ceremony on Friday, May 7.