AN 'inspirational' and 'much-loved' Stockton Heath parish councillor is retiring after dedicating the past ten years to the role.

Cllr Tudor Pole, of Willow Drive, who is one of the village festival's founders, will officially step down next month.

The 85-year-old described representing residents during his time in the position as a privilege.

He said: "I stood in the Lumb Brook ward when I was a member of the Liberal Democrats and was delighted to have been elected – but now is the time to step aside.

"The most pleasing thing is working with the councillors – they are a pretty giving lot and there is little politics involved on the parish council.

"They are a good bunch of people and very supportive.

"I have been ill lately but residents have been coming down to help me with things like helping to look after my garden, which is extremely kind."

Stockton Heath parish and borough councillor Laurence Murphy said Cllr Pole is a 'true community champion who never gives less than 100 per cent'.

He added: "Tudor has been a much-loved councillor for many years – he is the inspiration behind Stockton Heath Festival.

"The parish council is poorer for his retirement."