A SPECIAL civic service for the mayor of St Asaph was held in the city’s cathedral.

A large congregation, including Chris Ruane, MP for Vale of Clwyd, gathered for the service for cllr Colin Hardie.

The event was conducted by the Very Revd Nigel Williams, dean of St Asaph Cathedral, and canon precentor, the Reverend Rex Matthias. They were assisted by The Reverend Canon Michael Balkwill.

Cllr Hardie, who is married to Gwenda and has three grown-up children and three grandchildren, said: “It was an hour-long Sunday eucharist. Anyone who wanted to take communion could.

“The dean Nigel Williams did a sermon for myself and the city council and talked about how we worked together with the cathedral for the benefit of the community.

“There was three of four hymns that were picked by myself and my wife.”

Cllr Hardie is currently serving as mayor for a third consecutive year.

“I think that it might be quite rare, I don’t know if that has happened before - certainly not here,” he added.

“I am not from St Asaph originally but from Merseyside. I have also lived in the Channel Islands. I’ve been in St Asaph for 30 years and I can honestly say it is one of the most friendliest. They have been very supportive.

“We all support each other. Every year there is of course a new mayor, but each mayor helps each other. We are all there for the same reason, for the benefit of the community.

“I would do anything for this community.”

Cllr Hardie is helping organise a Winter Fair. This will be held on November 24 at the cathedral between 5pm and 8pm.