One of Tenby’s longest serving town councillors has been called a ‘true stalwart’ to the resort and council by the current Mayor - after she tendered her resignation this week.

In correspondence that came before members of Tenby Town Council at their meeting on Tuesday night, Clr. Mrs, Caroline Thomas, who first joined the council in 1987, and has held position of town Mayor on two occasions in 1997 and 2003, said: “A new year is a time for reflection and of thoughts for the future and, after much deliberation and soul searching over recent weeks, I would like to tender my resignation as a member of Tenby Town Council with immediate effect.

“I feel this experience has taught me a lot, not only about the town and its wonderful people, but also about myself. It has given me insight and skills I have never before used and knowledge I will carry with me for life,” she continued.

Clr. Mrs. Thomas thanked all councillors and staff, past and present, stating that she had ‘thoroughly enjoyed every minute’ representing the people of Tenby, particularly on the two occasions she was given the ‘privilege’ of serving as Mayor.

“Again this has not been an easy decision to make, but after a lot of thought, I feel I must now make way to allow someone else who has more time to devote to have the opportunity of working alongside you all to look after the best interests of Tenby and its people,” she added.

The Mayor or Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, paid tribute to her colleague, who she said she first became friends with at the polling station in 1987.

“We quickly became two of Denzil’s ‘Dollies’ and firm friends. Caroline has worked tirelessly for Tenby and the town council for 32 years.

“During her time on the council she managed to run her family business and she supported her late husband John ‘Yobbler’ Thomas in his post as town crier, and they successfully travelled the world as ambassadors for the town, winning such competitions, including best dressed couple!”

Clr. Mrs. Lane said that it was down to Mrs. Thomas’s ‘persistence’ that Tenby received the input from the NHS that she felt the resort deserved, as she had been involved with the health authority from day one as a councillor, by helping start up the Friends of Tenby Cottage Hospital back in 1988.

Most recently, Mrs. Thomas has been involved with the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network as the organisation’s secretary.

“She is passionate, honest and can’t forget, sensible - a true stalwart to the council and Tenby,” continued Clr. Mrs. Lane.

“I hope that when we advertise the latest position on the council that we find someone with the same commitment and dedication that Caroline has given for the past 32 years,” she added, with Clr. Laurence Blackhall echoing the Mayor’s thoughts.

“Her knowledge and understanding was always worth listening to, and I for one am grateful for what she’s given as a town councillor and also the kindness she’s shown me during my time on the council,” he said.