The new Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough has been announced as Councillor James Fussell.
Cllr Fussell, 48, accepted the position of civic head at a council meeting on Thursday.
He said: “It is a fantastic honour to be selected as the new mayor and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that my year in office will bring.
“I am really looking forward to meeting many new people, and am passionate about representing the people of Caerphilly County Borough. I think I am currently one of the youngest Mayors within the region, and with this am looking to bring a fresh approach to the role.”
“I’ll have a very tough job living up to the excellent work undertaken by my predecessor, but I will certainly do my best to be a positive ambassador for the people of our county borough during my term in office.”
Cllr Fussell was born and bred in the Caerphilly area and represents the St Martin’s ward in Caerphilly.
He has been a town councillor for more than 15 years, and a county councillor since 1999.
His family ties to Caerphilly are strong. His parents played an active role in Caerphilly’s twinning with the town of Ludwigsburg in Germany almost 50 years ago.
As a fluent Welsh speaker he feels that promoting the Welsh language, culture and heritage is very important.
His wife Catherine has appointed as his Consort during his time in office.
Cllr Fussell’s chosen charities for the forthcoming year are children’s hospice Ty Hafan and Golden Grove, a charity which aims to set up a convalescent home for injured servicemen and women.
Cllr Vera Jenkins, who represents the Crumlin ward, is this year’s Deputy Mayor.