TRUE Blue Evertonian, Richie Gaskell, has been chosen to be this year’s Mayor of Machynlleth.

Grandfather of three, Cllr Gaskell has lived in the town for more than 40 years and has been a town councillor for four years.

He works for Powys County Council’s Highways Department keeping the “streets tidy.”

Cllr Gaskell, said: “For my sins I was voted in as the new mayor.

“ I’m pleased as it’s an honour to have been chosen.

“I’m going to do my best to help the town and do what I can on the council.”

He takes over from Cllr Tony Jones who recalled the highs and lows of his stint in office, which included the tragic death of last year’s deputy mayor, Cllr Sylvia Rowlands, in a road traffic collision back in September 2017.

Cllr Jones said: “I always enjoy meeting all the different people here in Machynlleth and trying to help them solve their problems.

“Losing Sylvia was a devastating blow as she had always been there to help me as deputy.

“Out of respect to her I kept the deputy’s chair vacant until the annual meeting, she always put Machynlleth first.”

At Machynlleth’s annual meeting, Cllr Monica Atkins was also chosen as deputy mayor.