Tenby greeted its 617th Mayor on Friday, when 10 years on from when he previously filled the role of the town's First Citizen, Clr. Trevor Hallett was officially sworn in at the traditional Mayor-making ceremony at the De Valence Pavilion.

Born in Monkton, Pembroke, Clr. Thomas John Trevor Hallett moved at an early age to East Minerton, Devonshire Drive, where his parents ran a smallholding and agricultural contracting business and later a small touring caravan complex.

Educated in St. Florence and Coronation Schools, he worked in construction contracting for a number of years, until he and his late wife, Marjorie, opened a painting and decorating shop in Upper Frog Street, with Clr. Hallett retiring in 1994 due to ill- health.

Clr. Hallett, of 1 Cogmill Cottage, The Green, is the nephew of a much-remembered figure in local government, the late Miss Winnie Hallett. First elected to the town council in 1987, he is well- known for his environmental and ecological interests.

He has a daughter Abigail, and four grandchildren. At the ceremony, in time-honoured tradition, retiring Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter, asked for a proposer and seconder, in nominating Clr. Hallett to don the scarlet robes of office.

In formally proposing him, Clr. John Griffiths said of Clr. Hallett: "As a long serving member of this council, Clr. Hallett has one of the finest records of attendance. He has a fine reputation and is a person of the highest integrity.

"Clr. Hallett can be relied upon to speak fearlessly and always has the best interests of Tenby at heart," he added.

Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown seconded the proposal. "I have no hesitation in seconding Clr. Hallett as Mayor; he is an excellent ambassador for the town and people of Tenby, and I'm sure he will continue the role in the same vein as 10 years ago," she said. After being elected, Clr. Hallett thanked his fellow councillors for their support, before proposing that Clr. Griffiths be accepted as his Deputy Mayor, which was seconded by Clr. Mrs. Maureen Ward.

"As a retired Chief Superintendent of the Hong Kong Police, I hope Clr. Griffiths uses his experience wisely in looking after Trevor. Please make sure you have a good watch!" joked Clr. Mrs. Ward.

Reappointed as Town Crier was John Thomas, with John Morgan as Sergeant at Arms and Robin Scanlon as Sergeant at Mace.

Clr. Damien Brown thanked them all for their hard work for the town, also thanking Billy Davies for standing in as Sergeant at Mace.

Rector, Canon David Jenkins was appointed as Mayor's chaplain.

A vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor was proposed by her Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane.

"Tish has gone about each task with great decorum, and along the way she has attended many functions and helped build great friendships for Tenby," she said.

Clr. Mrs. Rossiter said she had very much enjoyed her year as Mayor and only experienced a "few blonde moments" along the way.

"This past year has seen many major changes for Tenby, which have included the opening of the new hospital and lifeboat station, while the Town Council's very own project in refurbishing Augustus Place Community Centre is due to start too," she said.

Clr. Mrs. Rossiter also paid tribute to a former Mayor, the late Mr. Denzil Griffiths, who she said would be "sadly missed."

"Tenby also won the award for 'My Special Place' this year, and that's what it truly is for me," she continued.

"It's been an honour and a privilege to be Mayor; I'll miss my red coat and black hat, but I'm sure they'll be in good hands with Trevor."

The ceremony was followed by a civic dinner in the main hall, where guest speakers were Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority chairman, Clr. Steve Watkins, and retired Tenby businessman, Mr. Tom Hughes, who remarked of Mayor, Clr. Hallett: "Cut a tree down in Tenby and he will cut down a path to your door."

Clr. Watkins commented during his speech that his memories of Tenby were very different to Mr. Hughes's, as he recalled several encounters playing against the town's rugby team for Fishguard. Town councillor Nicky Lloyd proposed a toast to the guests, while Mayor, Clr. Hallett, gave his thanks for an enjoyable evening.