A PARISH council has made a special presentation to a councillor who has retired after 33 years serving the community.

Tidenham Parish Council presented Roy Birch with a presentation plate bearing the council logo and a Tidenham Remembers book by Liz McBride at its December meeting.

Describing him as a ‘stickler for protocol’, council chairman John Powell said: “Roy has served on all of the council committees and has been council chairman.

“He has worked alongside some 34 different councillors and with six different clerks.

“Roy was a county councillor for eight years and also a district councillor, where he served for 24 years.

“During his time at the Forest of Dean District Council he served on various committees and chaired the audit committee.

“Roy was also formerly a board member of Two Rivers Housing and a member of the board of governors of Offa’s Mead Primary School in Sedbury for about 20 years.”

Cllr Powell, who presented the former Liberal Democrat councillor with special plate and book for his long service and dedication, said: “Roy has been a very popular member of Tidenham Parish Council.

“He was a stickler for protocol and acted as mentor and adviser to new councillors. Roy’s support and dedication will be greatly missed.