BLAENAU Gwent council has appointed a new mayor for the coming year – as well as re-electing their leader and deputy leader.

Councillor for Brynmawr and new mayor Barrie Sutton yesterday said he was looking forward to the next year and will be supported by his son Joel in the role.

He will replace Cllr Derrick Bevan, for Cwm ward, who attended more than 240 mayoral engagements and events over the past year with his wife Gaynor.

The pair raised money for charities Ty Hafan children’s hospice and Ysbyty’r Tri Chwm Hospital in Ebbw Vale.

Yesterday Cllr Sutton said: “It’s a very pleasant thing to be made mayor. I’m quite happy.”

His chosen mayoral charity is Hospice of the Valleys, which cares for people with cancer – something close to his heart after his wife died of cancer.

“The people in Blaenau Gwent recognise the Hospice of the Valleys and tend to be very supportive to the organisation, so it will hopefully produce the best results in terms of fundraising.”

Outgoing mayor Cllr Bevan said he has really enjoyed the past year. He said: “We met some lovely and very interesting people.

“We were amazed at the talent we have in Blaenau Gwent, shown through the concerts we went to.

“We don’t appreciate what we have got.”

Highlights of his past year included the education department coming out of special measures and the new funicular railway, he said.

Also elected was Cllr Keith Hayden as deputy mayor. Cllr Steve Thomas was re-elected as leader and Cllr Jim McIlwee was re-elected as deputy leader. Six councillors were also elected to the executive committee.