The opening of a �4m harbour redevelopment scheme in west Wales has been boycotted by the town's mayor following a row over a Big Brother veteran starring at the event.

Bubbly blonde Helen Adams, from Cwmbran in south east Wales, opened the redeveloped Burry Port harbour on Monday.

A �4.2m redevelopment scheme has been carried out

Miss Adams, who shot to fame while appearing in Big Brother last year, was selected to perform the opening by Carmarthenshire County Council.

But mayor Pat Jones and three town councillors declined their invitations, saying that "someone of stature" should have been picked to reflect the historical significance of the occasion.

She said: "There has sadly been a very negative reaction to the total lack of consultation with the community on this issue."

The harbour was to have been opened by the Queen during her Golden Jubilee visit to the area but the redevelopment was not finished in time.

On Monday, Miss Adams cut a blue ribbon which triggered a bottle of champagne to smash against the harbour wall.

But she was closely shepherded by a bodyguard and a press officer from the county council and refused to make any comment to the media.

Mayor Pat Jones: Boycotted the event

She left at midday, barely an hour after arriving.

Council leader Meryl Gravelle defended the decision to invite Miss Adams.

She said: "She is a lovely, bubbly Welsh girl who had a good rapport with the young people.

"It is a great shame the mayor did not attend - she would have been part of the opening ceremony."

Helen was runner-up in Big Brother last year, after her relationship with fellow housemate Paul had gripped the nation.

Council officials said this year's UK Eurovision contestant Jessica Garlick, from nearby Kidwelly, had wanted �2,000 to perform the opening.

The �4.2m development is being launched as a top-class marina, as well as a working harbour.

During the festivities, Miss Adams, 23, was entertained by local schoolchildren who released balloons, and a cannon was shot by Llanelli Sea Cadets.