CRUMLIN councillor Vera Jenkins has been chosen as themayor of Caerphilly county borough for 2011/2012.

Cllr Jenkins was elected at Caerphilly council’s annual general meeting last week, and said she was “humbled” to be selected for the top civic position.

She will be joined in her role by husband Rob, who will act as his wife’s consort during her year in office, and by new deputy mayor Cllr Margaret Sargent, who represents the Penyrheol ward.

Cllr Jenkins said: “I am humbled by the faith and support shown to me by my fellow councillors and am very proud to accept the position as mayor of Caerphilly county borough.

“I look forward to the year ahead and will strive to represent the residents of the area with diligence and dignity.”

The Crumlin ward member was born into a mining family in Six Bells, in the neighbouring county of Blaenau Gwent, and left school at 15 to become a nurse.

She was elected as a Caerphilly councillor for Plaid Cymru in 2004, and has served on several committees including health and social care, sustainable development, audit policy and resources, biodiversity and regeneration.

The new mayor’s chosen charity for the year is Llamau, which helps homeless and potentially homeless young people and vulnerable women in South Wales.

Cllr Jenkins replaces St Martins ward councillor James Fussell, who served as mayor of the county borough for 2010/2011.