ONE-TIME nightclub owner Richard Thomas now steps into the limelight as Hereford's Millennium mayor.
Mr Thomas, first elected to public office in 1978, has been both a Conservative and Liberal-Democrat councillor during his time in local politics.
His wide local business interests over the years include control of the former Flamingo Entertainment Centre at Redhill - a popular venue in its heyday, but now no more.
The past has also seen many changes to the administration of county affairs.
But Mr Thomas, who lives on Aylestone Hill with wife Sheila, doesn't believe the alterations have diminished the role of Hereford mayor as a representative of the city.
In spite of losing his seat on Herefordshire Council at the recent election, Mr Thomas did win a place on Hereford's new parish authority.
This success secured him the mayoralty, on the basis of long civic service. He formally took up the title on May 22, and his chosen charity is 'Mind'.
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