Report by News Editor NICK HALLISSEY

IT'S the end of an era for Whitegate and Marton Parish Council, as its clerk of 10 years steps down with honours.

Brian Gray, 64, retired from the post on Monday night, with the hearty congratulations of the council.

Parish chairman Clr Robin Creed led the farewells.

He said: "The parish council will truly miss the contribution which Brian has consistently put in over 10 years.

"Doubtless the village as a whole has been able to benefit from his input.

"We wish him very well indeed for the future."

Brian himself was in modest mood.

He told the Guardian: "The village has managed to maintain its distinctive community spirit throughout the last 10 years and I wouldn't say I have done anything to direct that.

"But certainly I'm extremely pleased if anything I have done may have helped that spirit along."

Brian took up the job after taking early retirement from the Atomic Energy Authority. In his words: "I wanted to give myself a new interest in life."

He had previously served as a parish councillor for Cuddington and Sandiway.

So what are the biggest changes he has seen in 10 years?

"Obviously the Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club has been a big change," Brian said.

"But otherwise, this village has remained a very spirited part of the world."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.