THE end of an era was marked when a parish councillor stepped down after half a century.

Cllr John Bird retired as a member of Tilston Parish Council at the authority’s meeting in May.

An active member of the council for a remarkable 50 years, Cllr Bird said he was standing down to allow someone younger to take his place.

Chairman of the parish council for a number of years, Cllr Bird has also been a member of the War Memorial Hall committee and Tilston Playing Field Association.

He was presented with a card and gift as a thank you from the parish council on behalf of the community he has served for so many years.

He went on to say at the meeting that he had served the people of Tilston to the best of his ability.

Council chairwoman Cllr Penny Honeyborne said: “How sad the council is to see him go in view of the committed and loyal service he has always given. His love of the village has contributed to his work as a councillor.”

She is pictured presenting Cllr Bird with the card.