Somerset’s ‘unsung heroes’ have been praised by Somerset County Council.

Director of Environment Sonia Davidson-Grant, who is leaving the authority to pursue academic studies, publicly thanked her staff and paid tribute to the county’s grit and salt layers.

Sonia Davidson-Grant, who has been with the Council for more than five years, said: “I have been privileged to lead an excellent Team and to work with partners to create some very different approaches to service delivery.

“In particular, I would like to thank my staff who work extremely hard, often in difficult circumstances, to deliver really valuable services to our citizens such as gritting the highways, improving road safety and ensuring that our food is safe to eat.

“They are Somerset's 'unsung heroes' and I am proud to have contributed to their work.”

Sonia has contributed to major achievements across Somerset including overseeing a joint waste-recycling project and her work in dealing with nuclear power developer EDF at Hinkley Point C has been recognised nationally.

County Council leader, Cllr Ken Maddock said: “Sonia is a well respected Director who will be missed by her colleagues, partners and Members.

“She delivered a wide range of service improvements whilst at Somerset, including improvements in road safety, trading standards and waste.

“Sonia also generated approximately £66m of additional funding for major transport schemes alone during her time with the County Council, which delivered real benefits to local people.

“I wish her all the best for the future.”