MACHYNLLETH councillor Mike Williams will celebrate 40 years of serving the town on the county council after being returned unopposed once again.

Cllr Williams has been the county councillor for Machynlleth since 1980 – the only time he has faced election for the position.

He told the Cambrian News it was a “great honour and a privilege” to represent the town.

“I was delighted to be returned again, it really is an honour to represent Machynlleth,” he said.

“It will be over 40 years by the end of this term but luckily I am quite fit and have been lucky health-wise.

“I’m privileged to be able to do the job for the people of the town.

“Machynlleth is first, last and every position in between of the reasons I sit on the county council.”

Another prominent long-serving community stalwart – Llanidloes mayor Phyl Davies – has put his name forward for the Blaen Hafren seat which surrounds the town.

Cllr Davies will battle it out with Marion Llyd Brench (Lib Dem), Andrew David Capel (Ind) and Pam Williams (Green).

See the full list of county, town and community council candidates in this week’s paper, available in shops and online now