IT HAS been a busy 12 months for Colwyn Bay’s retiring Mayor, cllr Jeff Pearson.

He attended more than 150 Mayoral appointments over the last year with his wife Kath, who took on the role of Mayoress.

He said: “It was hard work but very rewarding. It made us realise how many hardworking volunteers we have in our area. So many charity and other organizations wouldn't exist without the help of the volunteers, and the community should be thankful for their commitment and dedication, I most certainly am.

“During the year I also became aware of the number of talented people we have in our area, both young and old in many spheres from sport to music and the arts, and they are to be commended for what they bring to our community.”

Jeff added: “Among the very many highlights of the Mayoral year was being asked to turn on the Tree of Lights last Christmas at the Cayley embankment. These are lights that mean so much to so many who have lost loved ones.

“As Mayor I was invited by David Jones, our MP, to the Houses of Parliament for a guided tour and dinner. It was a once in a lifetime experience, but also an honour for the town.

“Another honour for the town was a trip to Burry Port in South Wales to pick up our Colwyn Bay’s Silver Guilt Award in the Wales in Bloom Awards. This was a triumph for our town and our Wales in Bloom committee.

“A further highlight was my visit on Christmas morning to see patients at Colwyn Bay Hospital and wish them Happy Christmas. It was really rewarding to see their faces light up when the nurse told them the Mayor had come to visit them.

“I have been hugely impressed at all the support my charity events have received, The three charities were Macmillan Nurses, The Parkinson's UK local group and The North Clwyd Animal Sanctuary.

Cllr Pearson handed over his Mayoral responsibilities to cllr Stephen Williams this week.