AFTER a busy year in office that saw him raise £11,000 for the community, the Mayor of Milford Haven finished off his term in style by proposing to his partner.

Cllr William Elliott's mayoral awards evening was held at the Pill Social Centre on May 5, offering a chance to thank those who had supported him over the last 12 months.

He presented cheques to a range of local causes, including his two main charities: Milford Haven Junior Town Band and the Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets.

The £3,200 boost will help the band buy new music, uniforms and equipment, while the cadets will use it to purchase a much-needed new rowing boat for all them to enjoy.

Other groups who received a donation of between £100 to £1,000 included Milford Haven Army Cadets, Patch, the Rotary Club of Milford Haven, the Darby and Joan Club, the Girl Guides of Hakin and Milford Haven, Christmas Together, the Pill Social Centre, the Harrier Association, Pembrokeshire Yacht Club (Youth Sailing Section), Friends of St Katharine and St Peter's Church and Milford Haven Town Band.

The Mayor's Cadet, Cadet Corporal Niall Hooper was presented with a Mayor's Award of Service and an Offshore Bursary to go to sea on a tall ship or power vessel for a week of his choice.

Several 'unsung heroes' were also recognised for their support, including the Volunteers of the Pill Social Centre Community Association, Lynne Turner of Snapdragon, Chief Petty Officer (SCC) Margaret Gage, deputy town clerk Fiona Galliford, Carol Clayton and Tesco Community Champion Debbie Mills.

Cllr Elliott also presented Father Harri Williams, mayor’s chaplain, with a gift of thanks for his service during the past year; as well as to both his parents and his consort Lloyd Jones' parents.

And Mr Jones himself got the most surprising gift of the evening, when the mayor got down on one knee and asked for his hand in marriage.

"Thankfully, he said yes and there wasn't one dry eye after that," said Cllr Elliott.