A WELL known and popular native of Abergavenny has become the fifth woman to be elected as the town's first citizen.

Councillor Mrs Sheila Woodhouse was installed as the new mayor at a ceremony in the Town Hall on Monday, just nine years after her husband Chris was elected to the same role.

The chain of office was placed around her neck by the retiring mayor, Councillor Samantha Dodd who spoke of her 'wonderful and truly memorable year.'

She said: "I felt such pride to represent the town and with the mayoress, my mother Margaret and my daughter Megan, we have enjoyed meeting so many people. But it is a role that would not be possible without the help of the town clerk Peter Johns."

She also praised the mace bearer Geoff Harris, former mace bearer Mick Knight and her deputy mayor and mayoress Chris and Sheila Woodhouse whose experience had proved invaluable, as well as her chaplain, the Rev. Mark Soady.

She added: "It was one of the most wonderful experiences anyone could have, the people of Abergavenny are so supportive. And there were so many memorable experiences like live television and the finale in the pantomime.

"It's time to hand over the jewellery and get back to wearing my own!"

Councillor Woodhouse was proposed by Councillor John Prosser who said she was born in the town and had attended local schools. She spent 32 years working for the Post Office, starting as a telephonist and graduating to branch manager. As well as being mayoress of Abergavenny in 2004-5 she had also been the first lady of Monmouthshire County Council when her husband was elected as chairman in 2007. She is involved in many local groups, including MIND, the former Penyfal Hospital League of Friends, Harold Road Junior School governing body, WRVS, Nevill Hall League of Friends, Abergavenny/Oestringen Twinning Association and the Gateway Club which she has been involved with for 38 years.

Councillor Woodhouse said it was a difficult task to follow in the footsteps of the dedicated past mayors, but she said everyone needs to work together to talk the town up not down.

She added: "When you tell people where you live they say you are so lucky to live there, and we are fortunate to live here with so many successful clubs and societies like our own Borough Band which has played here tonight."

The new deputy mayor will be Councillor Martin Hickman with his wife Alison as deputy mayoress. The chaplain will be the Rev. Mark Soady and the civic service will be at Christchurch, North Street on Sunday, June 2 at 3pm. The procession to church will start at Abergavenny Cricket Club at 2.30pm.

The new mayor's chosen charities will be St David's Foundation, Nevill Hall Hospital and other local charities.