Steffan Wiliam has been elected as the new Mayor of Barry Town.

Councillor Wiliam, of Plaid Cymru, was voted in at the Town Council's annual general meeting last night.

He said he was "honoured to have been entrusted with the role".

"Firstly, I have to say thank you to all my fellow councillors for your support," said Cllr Wiliam.

"I owe it to you as my fellow councillors and also the people of Barry, whom I love so much, to do my best to promote our town and our council for this next year.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to praise my predecessor Margaret, for her role over the last two years.

"She's carried it out in the most difficult circumstances. Margaret, you have been our anchor in the storm. Our debt to you is huge.

"I can't let this evening go by either without thanking Dennis Clarke who said so selflessly and enthusiastically played his part as our Deputy Mayor this last year."

After accepting the role of Mayor, Cllr Wiliam announced that his charities this year would be Barry RLNI and the Barry Food Bank.

"Both support this town in very different, important ways and when we fully emerge from lockdown, will have extra calls made upon them," he said.

Cllr Dennis Clarke said: "Steffan has given and continues to give so much to the town.

"Barry-born, first elected to this council about 22 years ago, he's been a good son to the town.

"He's passionate about the town, its history, culture, and of course, its native language. I think he'll do a fantastic job notwithstanding the continuing problems that society is facing at the present time, I know he'll throw himself into the role.

"I'm hoping that we'll all want to continue to give our support to the office."

Incumbent Mayor Margaret Wilkinson was elected Deputy Mayor by the Council.

Cllr Wilkinson, who was elected as Mayor in 2019 and then re-elected in 2020, thanked the councillors for their support over the past year.

"Congratulations to you, Steffan. I hope you enjoy your year. It is opening up, so I'm sure you'll be able to do things and go places," said Cllr Wilkinson.

"But most of all, can I thank all the councillors. It's been an honour and a privilege to be Mayor.

"If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have been able to carry on. It's been a funny year; we must remember the people that are not with us anymore and not just those who have died from Covid. It's important to remember that life is precious.

"I must thank all the staff, and I mean all the staff, not just the office staff. The cemetery staff, the porters and all the other people that work for the council."

The mayor holds a ceremonial role, representing the council in public events, and chairing meetings of the council. It is a separate position from the council leader.

Cllr Bronwen Brooks was re-elected as the leader of Barry Town Council.