After over two decades in charge of their finances, Doris James of High Street, Talgarth has retired as Treasurer of Talgarth Christmas Lights Group.

 Described by several of those who gathered to mark the occasion as ‘a true community volunteer,’ Doris had arranged simply to come to Talgarth Town Hall Committee Room to hand over the files to her successor, Salome Evans.

 However, on entering the building, she soon realised that it was to be more than a low key chat over the balance sheet.

 She was greeted by Christmas Lights convenors Martin Draper and Gethin Evans, as well as veteran volunteer and Town Councillor, Cllr Malcolm Dodds, previous Christmas Lights treasurer, Town Clerk Josephine Rumsey, Town Mayor, Cllr Louise Elston-Reeves and Powys County Councillor for Talgarth, Cllr William Powell.

Presented with a bouquet of flowers, a present and card of appreciation, Doris was also asked to cut a specially baked cake to mark the occasion.

Reflecting after the event, Doris said: "I would like to thank everyone for all their kind messages on my retirement as Treasurer of Talgarth Christmas Lights. Special thanks are due to Talgarth Town Council and to the Christmas Lights Group for kindly organising the presentation.

"Finally, I’d like to wish Salome, my successor as Treasurer, all the very best. I know that, with her, the funds and the future of Talgarth Christmas Lights are in safe hands."