A Betws councillor who has been serving the village for 50 years has has announced his retirement.

Betws-born Arnallt James began his council duties back in 1967 when he was elected onto the Betws Parish Council.

He also sat on the Llandeilo rural and district council from 1970 until 1976 until the reorganisation in 1974.

Five years later in 1979, the councillor was elected to be a member of the Dinefwr Borough Council and represented the council until 1996 when Betws Community Council originally formed.

Arnallt was also Mayor of the Borough from 1990 until 1991 in which he presented the council and even visited prestigious parties as well as being made an honorary honourman.

The 83-year-old said: “During my time as Mayor I was invited to a garden part at Buckingham Palace and also to a dinner at Cardiff City Hall by the Lord Mayor.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Mayor and my time at Dinefwr Borough Council. It was an honour to be a part of the council.

“I was looked after by all the officers.”

Former Coleg Sir Gar caretaker Arnallt also plays an active part in the religious activities in Ammanford and the surrounding area.

He has been member of Capel Newydd in Betws for 40 years, secretary of the Ammanford Evangelical Church for 32 years and a part of the Ammanford Christian Aid committee for over two decades.

A spokesperson for Betws Community Council said: “Arnllt was a faithful member of the council and never missed a meeting.

“He is a font of information after living in Betws for many years and he is a real character.

“He was the go to person if any of the councillors needed to find out when we did something because he has an excellent memory.

“He is going to be greatly missed by the community council. His last meeting was in April.”

Arnllt has been treasurer of the Pensioners Hall in Ammanford for the last 18 years and is in charge of maintain the building and has no plans to give up the role just yet.