Pembrokeshire County Council has a new chairman. He is 74-year-old Clr. John George, of St. Davids.

Clr. George took office at the council's annual meeting on Friday.

Born in Solva, Clr. George has been a member of the authority since 1999 and has served 26 years on St. Davids City Council.

He was its chairman when it was known as St. Davids and Cathedral Close Community Council and then, in the same year, took the office of Mayor when it became a town council.

He was a farm worker before joining the MoD police at Royal Naval Air Station Brawdy in 1969. Two years later, he moved to the Royal Naval Armament Depot Trecwn and retired in 1995 while serving at the Proof and Experimental Establishment at Pendine.

Married to Nan, they have four children one of whom, Huw, is a cabinet member on the council, holding the portfolio for children, young people, learning and Welsh language.

Rev. Huw George - who is minister to Blaenconin and Ffynnon Baptist Churches - will also serve as the chairman's chaplain for the next 12 months.

Clr. John George - who succeeds Clr. Anne Hughes as chairman - was proposed for office by chairman by Clr. Leslie Raymond (Solva) and seconded by Clr. Peter Stock (Haverfordwest).

A vote of thanks to the outgoing chairman was proposed by Clr. John Allen-Mirehouse (Angle).

The authority's new vice-chairman is Clr. David Pugh, of Kilgetty. He was proposed by Clr. Rosalie Lilwall (Pembroke), seconded by Clr. Jim Codd (East Williamston).

The ceremony in County Hall, Haverfordwest, was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, The Hon. Robin Lewis and Mrs. Lewis.