A PRESENTATION evening has taken place to mark the long-service of a former Towy Valley councillor.

Past and current members of Llandovery Town Council have gathered to celebrate the work of Elizabeth Thomas MBE, who has retired from her role after 33 years.

Along with her husband Griff, Elizabeth moved to Llandovery in 1973 where they ran an agricultural business as well as a Bed and Breakfast at the Ton.

Until her retirement, Elizabeth was an active member of Llandovery Town Council and represented the town on the Dinefwr Borough Council.

Over the decades, the mother-of-three has served as a Governor on both Ysgol Pantycelyn and Ysgol Rhys Pritchard, founded the Tourist Information Centre and helped develop Llandovery’s links with Pluguen.

In 2005’s New Year Honours list, Elizabeth’s dedication to Llandovery was recognised nationally, when she was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Speaking at the presentation, Cllr Annabel Graham Paul, Deputy Mayor, said: “There can be very few who know this town more deeply than Elizabeth.

“Always conscious of Llandovery’s long civic history, Elizabeth gave her time and energy to making our town an attractive destination for tourism.

“She served on the council committee that secured the lottery grant to buy the Heritage Centre, travelling to Cardiff Castle to collect the grant on behalf of the community and had the well-deserved satisfaction of seeing the completed project opened during your time as Mayor.

“As well as making us all proud of Llandovery’s history, Elizabeth has worked to renew its ancient traditions, ensuring the voice of a town crier rings around our carnivals, festivals and civic events.

“All these contributions to our civic life were made out of her own valuable time, given freely as a volunteer.

“There can be no better example of truly selfless dedication to Llandovery, or any better model for all of us who serve or have served on the Town Council.”

The former councillor was presented with a crystal vase by the town council, as recognition of her hard work.