MAYOR Martin Hickman was verbally ambushed at Abergavenny Town Council's monthly meeting...in the friendliest manner possible.

Fellow councillors lined up to thank him for his exhaustive efforts on behalf of the town during his year in office.

Abergavenny's first citizen just had to sit and bear it at his last meeting in charge of proceedings at the Town Hall last Tuesday night.

Councillor Douglas Edwards led the friendly fire by thanking hardworking Councillor Hickman for the businesslike way he had conducted meetings over the last year - and the way in which he had represented the town.

"It's been a marvellous year," he said.

Councillor Chris Woodhouse continued the kindly assault with similar plaudits, concluding, "Well done Martin!"

The be-chained recipient of the compliments rewarded his fellow councillors by inviting them for a drink afterwards to mark the end of his term.

On Monday the Mayor held a 'thank you' reception at his town hall parlour for all those who had helped make his role such a pleasant and rewarding one.

He will be succeeded by Councillor Maureen Powell.