TOWN councillors in?Okehampton have paid tribute to a long serving member of Devon County Council, who stood down from the post at the recent elections.

Conservative Cllr Christine Marsh served as the ward member for Okehampton Rural for 12 years before standing down at the recent county elections. Fellow Tory Cllr Kevin Ball now fills the post of ward member.

At the full town council meeting last week, members paid tribute to Cllr Marsh's tireless work for the town.

Cllr Tony Leech said: 'I would like to thank Cllr Marsh for her many years of service. We have not always agreed, but there is no doubt she has always worked tirelessly for Okehampton and the surrounding parishes around the town.'

Town mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies said: 'I would echo the sentiments of Cllr Leech, and would like to say that Cllr Marsh has certainly set the bar very high for Cllr Ball.'

The chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr Jerry Brook, also paid tribute to the long-serving members from across the county who stood down at the recent elections.

He said: 'On behalf of the council, I would like to pay tribute to our esteemed colleagues who, over a great many years, have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly in public life to improving local services for the people they represent.  Their determination and sheer hard work is commendable, and I applaud their commitment.'