CHEPSTOW’S St Mary’s Priory hosted the annual Monmouthshire Civic Service today.

The Civic Service was held in honour of the chairman of Monmouthshire County Council, cllr David Dovey.

The service was conducted by the chairman’s chaplain, Reverend Christopher Blanchard, vicar of St Mary’s Priory, and was attended by around 150 people, including the mayors of the county and retired members of the armed forces.

Reverend Blanchard told the congregation the theme of the service was forgiveness, and spoke at length about the economic challenges facing not just Monmouthshire council, but councils across the country.

He said: He said: "We are here today to give thanks for the work of Monmouthshire County Council and the services they provide and the continuation of that good work.

"Today we are looking back and looking forward at the same time. We look back at the challenges that faced the council this year, but also at the good; for instance, the opening of the new county hall in Usk.

"We look at some of the continuing challenges which are facing not just our council, but councils across Wales. We are all aware of the many cuts and the challenges they create."

He also spoke about the good work the council is doing in promoting new recycling and environmental schemes.

Guests included William Graham, Conservative AM for South Wales East, and Monmouthshire County Council Leader Peter Fox.

Chepstow Choral Society directed by Graham Bull provided the music, singing hymns such as Calon Lan, and Vaughan Williams’ Just as the Tide was Flowing.

Both cllr Dovey and Paul Matthews, Chief Executive of Monmouthshire Country Council, did the readings.

The offertory taken at the service will be divided between the church and cllr Dovey’s nominated charities, Age Cymru and the NSPCC.