THE VALE of Clwyd Conservative Association (VOCCA) has elected a new chairperson and president.

Cllr Abigail Mainon, 25, was appointed to the role at the association’s virtual annual general meeting, replacing Denbighshire County Council cabinet member Tony Thomas.

Dewi Owens, aged 84, was also elected as president as Janie Smith retired after being a member of the VOCCA since it began in 1996.

Cllr Mainon, who sits on Bodelwyddan Town Council, has served as the North Wales Regional Chair of the Conservative Young Women since 2018 and runs the Friends of Bodelwyddan Charity.

Mr Owens previously served as a city councillor for St Asaph for over 20 years and as Denbighshire county councillor from 2004 to 2017.

The VOCCA raises money for Conservative Party campaigning, delivers leaflets, talks to electors and gets involved in campaigns in the Vale of Clwyd.

Mr Owens said: “We are very much a multi-generational party and this is clearly reflected in the Vale of Clwyd where we have a great mix of members of all ages.

“I was extremely pleased that a young member was elected as chairperson and I believe Abigail’s enthusiasm and wealth of experience will be of great benefit to the Association going forward.”