THE NEW mayor of Torfaen is following in his father's footsteps after becoming the first in the borough to take on the role after his father.

During the meeting held last week at the Civic Centre in Pontypool, Abersychan ward councillor, Giles Davies, was voted in to take on the role of Torfaen Mayor 2015/16, after acting as last year’s deputy mayor.

He is the first in the borough to take on the role after a parent has previously served- his father, Doug Davies, served as councillor in the Abersychan ward for 14 years and took on the role as mayor in 2003/4.

His dad said: "I am very proud of him. He is really interested in the area and local people and is extremely proud to be a local resident.

"Now he is mayor he will work to serve all of the people in Torfaen."

Cllr Davies said that he has learn many of his traits from his father including taking the time to walk through the ward speaking to local people and traders.

Cllr Davies added: “I never thought I would be mayor and it’s such a privilege.

“I am following in my father’s footsteps. I’m sure he will be offering advice to me in my new role as he always has.”

Cllr Davies said he wants to break down any barriers that may exist between communities and the council by taking the time to visit work places and getting out into the community.

He is also the first Torfaen mayor to have his own Twitter account, which he hopes will allow him to reach people who may not have previously seen the role of the Mayor.

In his first weekend in the role, he enjoyed a busy weekend – climbing walls and having one of his legs waxed in aid of charity.

On Sunday, Cllr Davies visited the opening of new facilities at Cwmbran Stadium during a Torfaen Leisure Trust open day.

He was also joined by the newly elected Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds.

During the visit they tried out the treadmills and scaled several Go Vertical climbing walls.

Later in the day, they attended the Blaenavon Blues XI v Welsh Veterans Memorial Game at Blaenavon.

After the match he had one of his legs waxed during a charity auction and raised £20 for the British Heart Foundation.

Last week In celebration his new mayor title, 15 residents of the Ty-Bryn care home in Abersychan released balloons in his honour.

Each of the residents, who are in their 80s and 90s, wrote out message of good luck for Cllr Davies, which were tied to the balloons.

The idea was thought up by 77-year-old resident Mary Edwards, who took on the roll of princess for the day.

Other changes at last week's Torfaen council meeting, include cllr Veronica Crick being made deputy mayor.

Cllr Bob Wellington was also nominated to continue his role as leader of the council.

After 11 years in the role of deputy leader, Cllr Lewis Jones was replaced by cllr Anthony Hunt.

The cabinet for the next year will be Cllr David Daniel in the portfolio of communities, cllr David Yeowell for education, Cllr Richard Clark for health, social care and well-being, Cllr Gwyneira Clark for housing, planning and public protection, Cllr John Cunningham for neighbourhood services, Cllr Lewis Jones for regeneration, and Cllr Anthony Hunt for resources and corporate governance.