The new Mayor of Ruthin, Jim Bryan, says he is extremely honoured to be taking on the role.

Mr Bryan, 71, has lived in the area for 10 years and says it is the first place he has ever lived in that has felt like home.

“I’ve just about come down to earth now. It’s quite an exciting moment,” he said.

He added: “As I said in my speech, I’m excited about the future.

“At the moment I have the voluntary youth clubs in Ruthin as my charities for the year.

“I’m also chair of the festival committee and we’re now readying for the 25th anniversary of the twinning with Briec in Brittany next year.” 

“We also have councillors looking at coaches and making the town more coach-friendly.

“I’m extremely honoured. I’ve lived in Ruthin for 10 years now. I joined the council in 2012, so it’s been interesting.” 

“I’ve moved around a bit, but it’s the first town I felt at home in.

”I drive past the Clwyd Gate and look over the hill and think ‘great, I’m home’ – and I’ve never felt like that before about anywhere.” 

Outgoing mayor Geraint Woolford raised £3,870 for the Welsh Air Ambulance during his time in office.

“It was lovely” he said. “It was a nice handover and I’m sure that Jim, my successor for will do a great job of being mayor and the new deputy, Ian Lewney, will do a great job as well.

“I am very proud to have served Ruthin as mayor and would thank all the residents for their support in that time.”