The mayor of Llanfyllin has stepped down in order to concentrate on an upcoming general election.

Simon Baynes announced his resignation at the end of Wednesday's Llanfyllin Town Council meeting, following his selection as the Conservative candidate for Clwyd South this month.

Mr Baynes admitted the decision was a hard one to take, but after conversations with his clerk, Jonathan Bellingham, and senior councillors, he stepped down.

"After a conversation with the clerk and the county councillor, Paul Lewis, I have decided to step down," said Mr Baynes.

"I don't think I have any other option. I cannot serve this area and it would not be fair."

In a report produced for the meeting, Mr Baynes highlighted the hard work he and his fellow councillors had undertaken for the town,.

In it he says: "It has been a great honour to serve as the mayor of Llanfyllin for the last 18 months.

"I am delighted by all that we as close-knit rural community have achieve in improving our much-loved town of Llanfyllin.

"Many initiatives have been launched to boost the town and bring in more visitors. These include fully re-opening the toilets and improving street cleaning, including largely eliminating the problem of dog mess by investing in a significant number of new waste bins.

"We are very grateful to Jay Bailey and Clive Heaton, who keep out town tidy – something that is much remarked upon by residents and visitors alike."

Mr Baynes also added the upkeep of the allotments, the improved popularity of the town's social media as well as the work with groups such as MENCAP and the Llanfyllin Workhouse, as part of his legacy as mayor.

Mr Bellingham added his thanks, along with all councillors, to Mr Baynes's hard work.

Cllr Lewis agreed to become mayor until May next year when a new one can be elected.