Ceredigion county councillors got together for their annual council meeting, to welcome their new chairman for the next 12 months.

There is one vacant seat, left by Cllr Paul James, who was killed while out cycling last month.

Outgoing chairman Cllr Hag Harries started the annual council meeting on 17 May with a minute’s applause for Cllr James, in tribute to his “boisterous and busy” nature.

“On behalf to the council may I say Paul was a friend to us all and I miss him,” said Cllr Harries

“He was persistent on behalf of his constituents but he was also very good at letting things go. He was never a man to hold a grudge and we will all miss him."

Cllr Harries said he apologised for all he had done wrong in the past year, jokingly pointing out times he had “rolled his eyes” used the “time guillotine” or “poked fun of” in the chamber.

Cllr Peter Davies MBE will take up the chairman’s chain for the next municipal year, with Cllr Gareth Davies appointed vice-chairman.

Cllr Davies represents Llanbadarn Fawr ward and was part of a “successful duet” with Cllr James, who was due to propose him for the role, said Cllr Catherine Hughes.

Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn remains as council leader, with her Cabinet also remaining unchanged at the moment.

The deputy leader is current incumbent Cllr Ray Quant MBE.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now