COUNCILLOR Kevin Madge, the outgoing chairman of Carmarthenshire county council, has given his thoughts on what he describes as a "strange but rewarding" year.

The challenges created by Covid-19 and its unprecedented impact on the county had a big bearing on his final weeks as chairman.

He said: "It has been an honour to be chairman and although my year was cut short, finishing on March 4 due to the coronavirus crisis, I then turned my focus on running the Cwmaman meals on wheels service.

"It has been a strange few weeks, but one that has been very rewarding because I have been given the chance to help provide meals for the vulnerable people in the community."

Cllr Madge had chosen the Trussell Trust, which supports a nationwide network of food banks, as his chairman's charity of the year.

"Little did we know how important these services will be just 10 months later," he said.

"A total of £4,000 was raised for the food banks through fundraisers and donations from community councils."

As a parting gift, Cllr Madge has helped set up a new Civic Awards to recognise the achievements of individuals and groups around the county.

He said: "I have met foster carers, scout leaders, carnival organisers and charity fundraisers, to name a few. There are wonderful people in Carmarthenshire who do wonderful things, so we would like to thank them for all the work they do."

Pre-coronavirus, Cllr Madge said highlights included visiting the 11 residents who had turned 100 throughout the year.

"It was such a privilege to meet these incredible people, one lady who needs a special mention is Mary Keir who turned 108."

As he finishes his year as Chairperson, Cllr Madge said it had been an honour to have been given the opportunity to be part of major events the county can be proud of.

"It is important that these events can recover from the impact of Covid-19 in the future. The likes of Llandovery sheep festival, Llandeilo sheepdog trials and community carnivals are among the big events throughout the county that will need support."

Cllr Madge thanked his fellow councillors and wife Catrin as he officially hands over the role this week.

"Catrin is my angel and deserves recognition for supporting my political career for the past 40 years," he said.

The council held its first online general meeting today, Wednesday, where the new chair for the coming year was installed.

Cllr Ieuan Davies takes over the role as chairman from Cllr Madge for 2020/21.