THE outgoing Mayor of a Flintshire town handed out certificates of merit to three deserving residents at his final address.

Councillor David Ellis was officially succeeded by

Cllr Arnold Woolley as the Mayor of Buckley

on May 14, with Cllr Vivienne Blondek becoming the town’s new Deputy Mayor.

But before handing over the chain of office, the outgoing mayor recognised the incredible efforts of three Buckley residents for their community endeavours in recent years.

At the ceremony, which was attended by more than 50 people, Clive Jones, and Malcolm and Jacqueline Ellis were handed certificates of merit for their many years of voluntary services to the community.

Upon handing out the awards, Councillor Ellis paid gratitude to each of the people for their hard work.

Speaking at the ceremony Clive Jones, who was presented the certificate for years of fundraising for good causes, said: “I was born and bred here in Buckley, and to receive this certificate is a great honour for me.

“We saved a working man’s club by putting a brand-new screen in, and filling the place with drink, curry, and people.

"But it’s been a team effort, and you just can’t raise the money needed without a strong team.”

Malcolm and Jacqueline Ellis have worked on the Christmas shoebox appeal for 27 years and have both been stewards at Bistre Methodist Church.

Mr Ellis said: “When we first started, we made 40 to 50 shoeboxes, but this year we’re closer to making about 500.

“We have a dedicated team who fill shoeboxes throughout the year, and work hard to get everything ready and prepared.

“My wife Jackie (Jacqueline), works at Nightingale House and it is an absolutely amazing place for people who are coming to the end of their lives.”