THE new mayor of Abergavenny is local girl Jane Foulser and she was installed in front of her proud family and friends on Monday reports LESLEY FLYNN.

In her inaugural speech she referred to the fact that her dad Bill Edwards was well known for saving many lives when he was the lifeguard for the local council on the River Usk, and later at Bailey Park Swimming Pool and said she knew he would have been 'bursting with pride' to see her elected as the town's first citizen.

Councillor Foulser was nominated by Councillor James George who spoke of the voluntary work she and her husband Bill did with Bailey Park pool, the Porpoise swimming club and the Musketeers.

He mentioned her 24 years in the physiotherapy department at Nevill Hall Hospital where she worked in the hydro therapy pool.

Seconder was Councillor Roger Harris.

Her chaplain will be the Rev'd Jeremy Winston and the civic service will be at St Mary's Church, Abergavenny on Sunday May 29 at 11am. The mayor's cadet from the Air Training Corps will be Lauren Thomas.

The retiring mayor, Councillor Norma Watkins said she had enjoyed a whirl of wonderful events during her year of office.

"To be termed the first citizen of Abergavenny is an honour I never thought I'd achieve."

She thanked the people of Abergavenny and surrounding areas for the warmth of their welcome and said it humbled her.

She added, "Abergavenny is probably changing in the future but it must be done in keeping with its environment and Abergavenny Town Council will have to take on more services in the future."

She said her four grandchildren were happy her term of office was at an end. She quoted her four year old grandson as saying 'you've been the mayor, now just be my Nanny.'

The new deputy mayor will be Councillor Roger Harris.