A MAN who has had a successful career as a politician in Vale Royal has decided to call it a day and let a younger person have a chance.

Roy Cotterill, 63, has been on Davenham Parish Council for 17 years but he feels now is the right time to give it up and take life a little easier.

He said: "It was a difficult decision to make because I have enjoyed it a lot.

"I don't live as close to Davenham as I used to do so it would be better to let someone younger and more local have a go. When you are in the nice warmth of the house and you have to go out in the frost and snow to get to a parish council meeting it is a bit too much."

Mr Cotterill was Mayor of Northwich in 1996 and 2001 and it is something he is very proud of.

"It is a great privilege to hold a position that is 107 years old on two occasions and I was honoured to wear that chain."

He was a Vale Royal Borough councillor for eight years representing Davenham, Wimboldsley, Moulton and Bostock until he was defeated in the last election.

He said: "I have made a lot of friends over the years and a few enemies too. The friends far outweigh the enemies though."

Mr Cotterill is looking forward to spending more time tinkering with his 1937 Morris Eight motorcar and Bond 875cc van.

He will also be able to spend more time with his wife, Lesley.

He is not ready to give everything up however and is still involved with the Northwich Youth Centre Committee and the Miss Vale Royal contest.

A presentation will be made at the next Davenham parish council meeting in recognition of Mr Cotterill's outstanding work.

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk