Tenby has a new town councillor, and you might well hear him shout about it!

The seaside resort’s very own town crier Jim Cornwell has been chosen to fill the vacant role on the town council, following a secret written ballot.

Six candidates put their names forward to fill the vacancy on the South Ward of Tenby town council, following the resignation of former Mayor, Tony Brown earlier this year.

Following two rounds of voting amongst councillors in a secret written ballot, two candidates ended up with an equal number of votes following the second ballot - Mr. Cornwell and Mr. Jason Rossiter.

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, the Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall then had to break the deadlock. Her casting vote at Tuesday night’s remote meeting of the town council went to Mr. Cornwell as he had secured the most votes – but not the required overall majority – during the first round of voting.

Mr. Cornwell took over the role of town crier back in 2017, and as a treasurer of Tenby’s Jubilee Skate Park Appeal Association, he has undertaken countless fundraising for the facility.

A former chairman of the British Ramblers Association and the Chartered Building Societies Institute, Jim was involved with several amateur operatic and drama groups where he previously lived, and since retiring to Tenby has also become involved with several other organisations and clubs in the town, including - the Civic Society, Tenby Museum, Tenby Male Choir, Tenby Bowling Club, and St. Mary’s Church.

After his appointment, Clr. Cornwell said: “Having served as Town Crier for the past four years and supporting the Mayor elect, it’s an honour and privilege to be invited to join the town council.

“Tenby is expecting a bumper year with regards visitor numbers and I would like to be involved in making their experience memorable.

“I’m hoping that my tenacity, hard work and ‘getting things done’ attitude will be put to good use by the council,” he added.