Malmesbury's long-serving town clerk is to retire next year.

Jeff Penfold has formally advised the town council of his intention to retire on March 31 next year.

He has worked for Malmesbury Town Council as town clerk and financial officer for almost 14 years and during that time has overseen many changes.

Not least the transfer of ownership of the Town Hall to the town council 10 years ago and the subsequent refurbishment of the building which makes it such a valuable community asset today.

Cllr Wayne Jones, chair of the policy and resources committee, said: "We are very grateful to the town clerk for his service to the town council and to the wider Malmesbury community.

"Without his commitment, support and direction we would not have been able to make many of the improvements that people see, and take for granted, in the town today.

"We could not have asked for a town clerk more passionate about our town, and that has made our job as town councillors a lot easier.

"We will now start the process of recruiting a replacement town clerk.”

At the meeting of the full council last night where the public announcement was made, the Mayor of Malmesbury Fran Vandelli thanked the town clerk for his service and support.