A 'wheelie' good time was had at Tenby's Mayor-making ceremony on Friday, when musical maestro Clr. Paul Rapi was officially sworn in as the town's 626th Mayor.

Tenby's Mayor-elect had promised to be 'match fit' for the occasion after breaking his leg playing football on one of the resort's beaches over the Easter holidays, and sure enough, he entered the Mayor's Parlour in his wheelchair wearing the scarlet robes of office.

Greenhill School's head of music, who has taught music in Tenby for 27 years, was proposed for the role by outgoing Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, who said the "popular and well loved" Tenby boy was "passionate, driven and committed" and had a great connection with the youth of the town, which could prove invaluable in the following year.

"He is a Tenby boy through and through, born and bred in the centre of town and attended St. Teilo's Catholic School, who worked the school holidays in the family business with his father, making and selling ice cream," remarked Clr. Mrs. Lane, who will now serve as Deputy Mayor.

"I think we are the first St. Teilo's team to hold mayoral roles together... and probably the last! I think I am right in saying that the nuns would have been very proud," she added, with her colleague, Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter, seconding the proposal.

"Clr. Rapi has great affinity with the youth of the town and commands great respect from his pupils and fellow colleagues," commented Clr. Mrs. Rossiter.

"He has brought the fun into music, and this has paid off, with the Greenhill orchestra winning many accolades," she stated.

Clr. Rapi, a member of the town council for 11 years, thanked his fellow members for electing him, before proposing Clr. Mrs. Lane as his deputy, stating that she has worked very hard, and been committed and devoted to Tenby town for seven terms of office.

"You taught me how to do this job, you directed me, supported me, especially with this leg business!" he joked.

"You have offered your help to me so much. I could not think of anybody who would do such a brilliant job and I would like you to be my Deputy Mayor," continued Clr. Rapi.

Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas thanked the retiring Mayor for serving the town of Tenby in such an excellent way, and for having a mind that never stopped thinking of ways that would improve the town.

This was seconded by Clr. Mike Evans, who said that Clr. Mrs. Lane had been an ambassador for Tenby, and the town's people could be proud of her.

"You have Tenby on your sleeves, in your heart and in everything you do. We all appreciate that, and in this year, you have made Tenby a better place to live, to work and to visit" he said.

Clr. Mrs. Lane said that she was very grateful for the support of the town council and the community, particularly thanking all the Tenby in Bloom volunteers and supporters.

Re-appointed as Sergeant at Arms was John Morgan, with Ernie Vokes as Sergeant at Mace, while Father Michael Fewell was appointed as the Mayor's chaplain during his year in office.

Installed as the Mayor's consort was Clr. Rapi's wife, Sarah, while Clr. Mrs. Lane's granddaughter, Charley Reohorn, was appointed as Deputy Mayoress.

During the civic reception that followed in the De Valence Pavilion, with music provided by Tuxedo Funktion, the new Mayor said he would like to focus on the youth of the town during his year of office.

"I am in a unique position to work with them and I want to get the youth of the town more involved," remarked Clr. Rapi