A MUCH-loved town councillor said it has been a privilege to serve the people of Malmesbury after he revealed he would be stepping down from his role.

Councillor Andrew Woodcock will be leaving his post at Malmesbury Town Council in May after a colourful 30 years, which he dedicated to helping residents and raising the profile of the town.

The 71-year-old, who jumped out of a plane for charity during his mayoral term, said: "I feel it is time to stand back and let someone else ago. I am still involved with the Royal British Legion and the Church of England in the Diocese Advisory Committee and I hope to spend some time in the museum as well.

"I have definitely enjoyed my time as a councillor and in a way it runs in the family. My great grandfather was the first non conformist mayor in Carmarthen and an ancestor of mine in 1405, Sir John Woodcock was the lord mayor of London."

Coun Woodcock was originally elected back in 1987 and continues to take pride in promoting the history of the town to its residents and tourists. Speaking about his retirement, he said: "I will look back on my time fondly and I will miss it but I have lots of other stuff to do. I worked out I have spent 54 years of my life working and I am now looking forward to having some time off.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Malmesbury in all areas I can. Whenever I see people with guidebooks or whatever I always ask them if they need any help to make sure they get the best out of the town."

There will not be an election for Malmesbury Town Council after only 12 people were nominated for the 16 available.

Mario Asciak, Roger Budgen, Catherine Doody, Julie Exton, Philip Exton, Gavin Grant, John Gundry, Wayne Jones, Kim Power, Campbell Ritchie, Francesca Vandelli and Hayley Webb will be taking their seats on the town council as they were unopposed.