THE new mayor of Prestatyn and Meliden has been sworn into office for the second time in his political career.

Cllr Anton Sampson, of Prestatyn east ward, has been a councillor for more than a decade. He served as Mayor of Prestatyn in 2012-13.

The 52-year-old is also a Prestatyn in Bloom committee member and he hopes to spread the word about “how amazing and community-minded Prestatyn is”.

He said: “It means an awful lot to me that fellow councillors have put their faith and trust in me to take on this important role.

“In my term, I will be engaging with many community groups within the area and offering my support as much as possible. These groups are what makes towns and villages tick.”

Cllr Sampson has already hit the ground running and attended several engagements, including the launch of the Prestatyn and Clwydian Range Walking Festival.

“This really is one of the jewels in our crown which I have been involved with for several years,” he added.

“I have also been to the Little Theatre to watch the musical Made in Dagenham which was superb.”

Cllr Sampson revealed an agreement has been made with the BBC to make an episode in its TV series, Britain in Bloom.

“This is all thanks to our dedicated Prestatyn in Bloom team. Several projects in the area will be highlighted in this episode,” he said.

“I’ve always believed that promoting our town as a quality destination via the media is the way forward whenever possible.”

Cllr Sampson, who interests include a love of the mountains and music, will be supporting the RNLI during his term and is looking forward to taking part in an experience where he will play a ‘victim’ in a mock rescue.

“I’ve been a councillor for more than a decade now and have been involved in many challenges during that time,” he added.

“My interests are varied but my love of the mountains is my main passion.”

Cllr Sampson has taken over the reins from Cllr Gerry Frobisher.

He added: “Cllr Frobisher has worked tirelessly and made my term as deputy very easy indeed.

“As for the forthcoming year... it’s ‘gonna’ be fun.”