AN outgoing town mayor has looked back on his year in office with pride.

Cllr Tim Maunders' last day as mayor of Mold was on Wednesday. Ahead of the town council's AGM, prior to which councillors had agreed to appoint cllr Teresa Carberry as mayor elect, cllr Maunders told the Leader how he will remember his time in the role.

"It's been a year of firsts," he explained.

"Before I started, I didn't have a bucket list. But as I come to the end of my year I realise just how much I've done.

"I jumped off Shire Hall, I went on TV for the first time, I walked over hot coals and so many more things.

"I have connected with a lot of people and I have tried to do what I can to help them for the best, and by the looks of it I have done that.

"I put something on Facebook about my year and the responses I had form people were just wonderful. I was in tears.

"But I couldn't have done it without them - I have put my heart and soul into it and the community has been right behind me all the way."

One "first" for Cllr Maunders was trying his hand at acting, with a role as PC Williams in the innovative Mold Riots production.

Speaking of the experience, he said: "I'd never done anything like that before and it was quite scary.

"It was amazing to be a part of and I have a lot of time for Theatr Clwyd, they are amazing.

"The first time I was on TV was a lot of fun as well - it was when the Three Castles Car Rally was in the town and I waved them off with the flag.

"It was nerve racking because I'm not the best public speaker, but I get my point across because it comes from the heart."

One big personal challenge for Cllr Maunders was tackling his fear of needles when giving blood for the first time.

Recalling the experience, he said: "It was a cold day but I was sweating like anything - my shirt was soaking because I was so nervous.

"The second time I went it was much the same but I am going to do it again in June."

Cllr Maunders praised the many projects, groups and organisations he has visited and worked with over the last year, adding: "I've been to a lot of places and met a lot of people and I really enjoyed seeing Buzz-Ah and visiting the Contact Club, they are very inspirational. "The Community Shop has been absolutely top drawer as well, they have helped thousands of people."

At the beginning of his year, Cllr Maunders nominated NEWSAR (North East Wales Search and Rescue) as his chosen charity.

He said he was delighted to report that more than £13,000 has been raised through the town council's events and his engagements throughout the year - which will be added to an extra £2,500 raised by NEWSAR.

Summing up the year, Cllr Maunders said: "Coming into covid, it's been a difficult year.

"But I am so proud to have been mayor.

"We have an amazing little town and it has been so heartwarming to see people helping each other through this difficult time.

"When I have looked back through the photos over the last 12 months, I always have a smile on my face - so I must have had a good time."