COUNCILLOR Graham Pritchard has been elected to stand as Mayor of Monmouth for the forthcoming year. On taking the chain of office he spoke of the privilege and honour of being able to serve the community of Monmouth.

"My three-fold role as mayor is to ensure the council is run with harmony, that I represent the town in the wider Monmouthshire area and that the profile of the council is maintained for the benefit of the people," he said.

His three chosen charities for this year are the British Heart Foundation, Monmouth Youth Project and the Alzheimer's Group in Monmouth.

There were two nominations for deputy mayor, the choice between Cllr Terry Christopher and Cllr Chris Munslow was decided by a signed secret ballot, with Cllr Christopher winning by 9 votes to 6, one abstention.

James Phillips was re-appointed as the mayor's cadet.