COUNCILLOR Chris Woodhouse made history when he became mayor of Abergavenny - after just one hour.

He was the first member of Abergavenny town council to be chosen as first citizen within 60 minutes of becoming eligible.

Councillor Woodhouse had been a member of Monmouthshire county council since 1999, but only became a town councillor at the June elections, and was chosen as mayor at his first meeting.

He has proved to be a popular choice, for he and his wife, Sheila, are both natives of Abergavenny and are well known through their voluntary work and their careers.

He was a senior psychiatric nursing officer in the area when he retired, and has been involved with MIND, the Gateway Club, the Steam Society, running junior soccer and as an international schoolboys' referee. He has been a magistrate for 13 years and serves on the governing bodies of three schools.

His wife, Sheila, has been a post office manager at several branches, including Abergavenny, and still works in a self-employed capacity. Both are active members of Christchurch.

Nominating Councillor Woodhouse, Councillor Alan Breeze said: "He will be a great asset to us. He really cares for his town.

"He will act without fear or favour as first citizen and will be a worthy and conscientious mayor."

He has chosen the Rev Jeremy Winston, vicar of Abergavenny, to be his chaplain, and Councillor Graham Preece, an Independent member of the town council, will act as deputy mayor.

His fundraising during his term of office will be for the paediatric unit at Nevill Hall Hospital.

The retiring mayor, Councillor Victor Barrett, who has now retired after serving 25 years as a local councillor, presented community awards to Mel Hughes for his voluntary work with the Borough Theatre, and David James, postmaster at Stanhope Street Post Office until it closed in February.