Councillor Paul Hinge has described being elected as the Chairman of Ceredigion County Council for 2021-2022 as "a great honour."

His appointment at the Annual Meeting, held virtually on Friday 14 May, concludes Councillor Gareth Davies’ term of office.

During his term in office, Cllr Davies has steered the Council through an unprecedented time in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

After being elected as Chairman, Cllr Hinge addressed the Council, saying that becoming Chairman of the Council was "a very proud moment".

Originally from Cardigan, he now lives in Bow Street and represents Tirymynach ward on Ceredigion County Council.

He is also the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, and has campaigned extensively for veteran rights over the years as a veteran himself.

“As a child born in Cardigan a number of decades ago now, I could never have envisaged then that one day I would be taking one of the highest elected civic roles in my home county as I have done so here today; this is a very proud moment in my life," said Cllr Hinge.

"I would like to thank my fellow councillors for entrusting me with this role for the forthcoming municipal year.

"I would also like to give a special thank you to Councillor Gareth Davies for his unstinting work in such difficult times in this last year, it’s been an honour to have been his Vice Chairman.

"I look forward now to being Ceredigion County Council’s Chairman in the year ahead”.

Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, added: “I would like to congratulate Councillor Paul Hinge on his election as County Chairman and wish him well for the coming year.

"I would also like to thank Councillor Gareth Davies for steering the Council’s virtual meetings so smoothly and skilfully over the last year.”

Councillor Ifan Davies, from Lledrod ward, was elected as the Council’s Vice-Chairman. The Reverend Richard Lewis was appointed as the Chairman’s Chaplain for 2021-2022.