Former teacher, Clr. Miss Mel Phillips was elected the 633rd Mayor of Pembroke at the annual meeting held at Pembroke Town Hall on Saturday.

A native of Pembroke, Clr. Phillips has been a member of Pembroke Town Council since 2007, representing the St. Michael ward.

A  keen cricket fan (Pembroke's scorer for 15 years), she is also a Freeman of the town of Pembroke and a volunteer gardener at Stackpole Mencap Gardens, where she works with the mentally handicapped, and is also a governor of Golden Grove/Gelli Aur School, Pembroke.

During her time as a councillor, Clr. Phillips has been actively involved with promoting the historic town, including playing a part in the refurbishment of the Holyland Road railway bridge, the maintenance of the Commons stream and the instigator of many minor projects in the Pembroke area.

Upon being elected, Clr. Phillips said: "I'm delighted and honoured to be elected Mayor of my home town and looking forward to the challenge during these difficult economic times. I will give 100 per cent to addressing the issues and concerns of local people. I would also like to congratulate Clr. Mrs. Pearl Llewellyn on being elected to serve as Deputy Mayor."

During her year of office, Clr. Phillips will be raising money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The following day (Sunday), a civic parade, led by the Abernant New Orleans Jazz Band from Cardiff, made a colourful spectacle as they sauntered along Main Street to St. Michael's Church where a civic service, conducted by the Mayor's chaplain, Rev. Canon Roger Jones, was attended by civic dignitaries and members of local organisations.