A stalwart of ceremonies and events in Tenby - John Morgan has officially stepped down from his Sergeant at Arms role after 25 years.

Mr. Morgan, gave notice last year that, having completed over 25 years, his attendance in the role at the Tenby Boxing Day Swim would be his last, and he said his farewells at the Tenby Town Council Mayor Making ceremony and AGM on May 10, when a retirement presentation was made to him in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Newly installed Mayor, Cllr Dai Morgan told Rev Morgan - who has been at the side of 13 different mayors of the seaside town - “You have been dedicated, professional, dignified and always with a smile on your face,” town mayor Cllr Dai Morgan told John at his retirement presentation.

“Thank you for your service, I am honoured to have worked with you.”

Mr Morgan, who was a former RE teacher at Greenhill Secondary School, before he took early retirement to become ordained into the Non-Stipendiary local ministry in the Tenby parish, said that it had been ‘a pleasure and privilege’ to be Sergeant-at-Arms and work with 13 different mayors for Tenby.

“I was asked to step in as mace bearer at one Tenby Boxing Day Swim because the current one – also named John Morgan – was unwell.

“After he died I took over the role. Little did I know that 25 years later, I would still be doing it!

“All mayors do the job differently, but they all serve the town to the best of their ability, and I am proud to have been a part of it,” he added.

Despite calls from councillors that Mr. Morgan was ‘irreplaceable’ - the Town Council are still on the look out for someone to take over the Sergeant-at-Arms role, and that of Town Crier.

The Town Crier is appointed not only to make official proclamations but also to emcee Civic functions, announce events like fairs taking place and fulfil an important public relations role for the town.

Anyone interested can contact the Town Council at their offices at the De Valence Pavilion, Upper Frog Street.