This week's meeting of Tenby Town Council was a sad occasion, as colleagues bade a fond farewell to two of the town's longstanding councillors.

Both former Mayors, Clrs. Mickey Folland and Andrew Rees attended their final meeting on Tuesday.

With Clr. Folland now retiring and Clr. Rees moving from the area, both were keen to emphasise how much they had enjoyed their time in the seats and they hoped the council would go on to make its presence felt more than ever.

"Myself and Mickey are the only two left from around the 1974 era, so it's quite fitting that we should bow out together," said Clr. Rees, who first began his association with the council as town clerk.

"With my Tenby ancestry dating back for years, I've always felt it was my civic duty to be a councillor and it has been an absolute privilege over the years to be a part of the council," he added

Clr. Rees was also full of praise for his fellow departing councillor and friend, Clr. Folland, who he said would be "sorely missed at this table, by county and town."

"Mickey and I have seen them come and seen them go; we haven't always got it right, but nine times out of 10 we have," he said.

"I've always looked at Mickey as a man of the people and hope that he will continue to keep the peace in his retirement."

Clr. Rees explained that during 25 years on the council he had only had to fight three elections and felt it a shame that over the years not more people from the town had put their names forward to stand.

"I've always believed that what's discussed in the chamber shouldn't be taken outside," added Clr. Rees.

"I remember the times when the likes of Wilf Hardy, Denzil Griffiths and Alan Mace were on the council, when debate was fun and we used go at it hammer and tongs at the table, but always made sure we finished proceedings with a drink together afterwards."

Clr. Rees sent out a message to the current council and its incoming members, challenging them to uphold the tradition and aims that have always been longstanding.

"Community councils are the bedrock of the local government and this council needs to make its presence felt now more than ever if they want the best for the town," he concluded.

The night was a double celebration for Clr. Mickey Folland. As well as reminiscing about his time on the council, he pointed out that he and his wife Sue were also raising a glass that day to their wedding anniversary.

"At long last I can now sit down and relax, with an empty diary and no excess mail," joked Clr. Folland.

One of Clr. Folland's fondest memories came back in 1979, when he had the honour of being the first Mayor to don the current robes of office.

"I've experienced a fabulous 33 years as a councillor and am very proud of what the council has achieved. I leave knowing that Tenby is currently in safe hands," he said.

The two departing councillors were presented with commemorative plates by Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas, as a memento of their time on the council.

"It's a very sad occasion, we've very much appreciated Andrew's knowledge of rules and regulations and Mickey's wisdom, experience and enthusiasm. How will we manage without them?" remarked Clr. Mrs. Thomas.