THE mayor of Newcastle Emlyn has praised the efforts of the local community in supporting one another during the coronavirus lockdown.

Cllr Alan Jones will hold the chains of office in the town for a second successive year – his sixth time as mayor in his 30-year stint as a town councillor.

His deputy for 2020-21 will be Cllr Jayne Ludgate.

“It has been a difficult time for many people and I just want to thank all those who volunteered to help others and those shops that have stayed open,” said Cllr Jones.

“We set up a Facebook group and so many people came forward to get involved and help others and I am very grateful for everyone’s efforts.

“It just goes to show the strength of the local community in the town and the surrounding area in villages such as Capel Iwan and Cenarth.”

With social distancing restrictions still in place, there has been no mayor-making ceremony in the town this year.

But Cllr Jones referred back to his acceptance speech of last year when he stressed the importance of supporting local businesses and taking care of the local environment.

“While that message was important last year, it is even more true this year,” he said.

“We need to buy local and support our businesses more than ever if we are to get back on our feet and have a thriving town.”