TENBY Town Council are looking for a new mace bearer to accompany the Mayor on civic occasions.
At Tuesday night's meeting, members received a letter from Mr. Eric Dorling, explaining that due to ill health he would have to relinquish his duties as Sergeant at Mace - a post he had held for 20 years.
Expressing the feeling of all present, the Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas, said it was "very sad" and suggested that they send him "a nice letter of regret."
Agreeing, Clr. Trevor Hallett said that Eric had given stalwart service to the council and had missed very few events in his time as mace bearer.
Former Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, also paid tribute to Eric, "one of the nicest people I've met," and said she was sorry he had had to give up his duties, as he himself was.
"Eric is one of a kind," concurred Clr. Andrew Rees, "a wonderful old boy. He is a gentleman and a gentle man."
It was agreed to advertise the position, which is open to male or female, while Clr. Hallett said he would happily stand in until a replacement was found.