A LONG-SERVING parish clerk is to retire after a decade in the role.

Adrian Corder-Birch will leave Sible Hedingham Parish Council after being elected president of the Essex Society for Archaeology and History.

He said: “I have enjoyed my ten years with Sible Hedingham and have worked with some good people.

“I have also made many friends and although I will miss that day-to-day interaction with the village, I feel it is time to move on and follow my heart with a role that will naturally add to the demands on my time.

“So on the one hand, while I am sad to be going, I am also looking forward to this new and exciting episode in my life.”

Parish councillors have already started a search for a new clerk.

Chairman Ron Volkwyn said: “I am very sorry to see Adrian go. He will be sorely missed and hard to replace.

“But he goes with our best wishes and thanks for his expertise and commitment that has served the village well.”

Mr Corder-Birch, of Halstead, will continue to serve Little Yeldham, Tilbury Juxta Clare and Ovington Parish Council, where he has been clerk for the last 45 years.

Anyone interested in the role is asked to e-mail Eggersmann@btconnect.com.