BRIDGWATER Town Council bid a fond farewell to long serving town clerk Alan Hurford.

Colleagues and councillors clubbed together to give Alan, 70, a final week to remember, starting with a drive in a vintage Morgan out to West Somerset on November 26 organised by members of the Bridgwater branch of the IWA.

Then on Thursday night, more than 50 friends, family and acquaintances headed to the Town Hall for a leaving do which saw Griffens CC transform the Charter Hall into a bar, and saw Alan receive further gifts and cards.

In a short speech, Alan thanked everyone for coming, and paid tribute to some of the mayors he head dealt with during his 15-year tenure including John Turner and Ken Richards, as well as current mayor Diogo Rodrigues.

“Our current mayor has really brought something new and fresh to the role of being mayor, whether that is through Facebook and social media or his focus on youth work,” Mr Hurford said.

Cllr Adrian Moore was mayor at the time Alan was hired and was one of the people who interviewed him for the role.

“I want thank you on behalf of my fellow councillors over these 15 years for your service,” Cllr Moore said.

Cllr Rodrigues added: “You have been a great help to me in my time as mayor so far giving good advice and information - and even teaching me how to tie a Windsor knot.”

As of Monday, December 3, the role of town clerk and responsible financial officer will be taken over by David Mears, ably assisted by a close knit team.

David has been Town Clerk of Langport for five years and has wide experience with several local councils as well as having been a former Town Councillor in Chard.

Mr Hurford said: “David is very well qualified, ambitious and ready for a new challenge.”