A long-standing Llanfyllin town official paid tribute to his "amazing" town council colleagues after retiring from his role.

Jonathan Bellingham has been town clerk of Llanfyllin Town Council for the past 8 years, but is now calling time on his tenure, having retired to spend more time with family in South Wales.

Mr Bellingham was joined by friends, councillors and current and former mayors of Llanfyllin at a retirement party on Saturday, June 12, where he paid tribute to his former colleagues.

"The council's become more pro-active as the years have gone on, which is great," he said.

"I'd just like to thank all the mayors I've worked for and of course all the councillors as well.

"As I've said to them I think they're amazing really, they're not paid for what they do and they've got the community at heart and sometimes they can take a lot of flak in the local community. I do too sometimes but at least I get paid for it!

"I've had four bosses that have been excellent and I've always worked well with all the mayors I've dealt with and I'm pleased to say we've all had the community at heart as opposed to anyone's individual egos."

Mayor of Llanfyllin and County Councillor for the area Cllr Peter Lewis said Mr Bellingham would be "very much missed" in the role.

"Johnathan has been clerk to Llanfyllin Town Council for the past 8 years and has seen four mayors in that time and two of our ex mayors came to the socially distanced party to wish him well, David Goodman and Simon Baynes.

"Johnathan will be very much missed by us all, and we wish him well in his retirement. Our new clerk is Mrs Cath Pritchard who is herself an experienced clerk will be taking over his role and we welcome her to our council."

Clwyd South MP and former Llanfyllin mayor Simon Baynes MP paid tribute to Mr Bellingham and thanked him for his "support and advice".

"The Mayor, Cllr Peter Lewis, gave a great tribute to Jonathan who supported and advised all of us on Llanfyllin Town Council over many years and made sure we ran a tight ship and an innovative and friendly Council.

"It was lovely to see so many old friends with whom I served on the Council from 2013-19 including my time as Mayor. Thank you Jonathan!"

Mr Bellingham is succeeded in the role by Mrs Cath Pritchard.