A LONG serving councillor will take the reins of the local authority for the next 12 months.

Cllr Meirick Lloyd Davies, who represents the Trefnant ward, has been elected as Chairman of Denbighshire County Council.

His chosen charities for the year will be breast cancer and prostate cancer causes.

During the ceremony at County Hall, Ruthin on Tuesday, May 14 outgoing chairman cllr Peter Scott presented a cheque for £14,500 to his own chosen charity St Kentigern Hospice.

Laura Parry from St Kentigern Hospice, said: “I would like to offer a big heartfelt thank you to the Council for its continued support. There is a lot going on at the Hospice, as we are part way through a major £3 million expansion that will help further support our communities.

“Our work cannot be possible without the on-going support of organisations like the Council and we are extremely honoured to be receiving this massive amount- it will make a huge difference.”

In addition to cllr Davies, the new vice chair will be Rhyl councillor Alan James.