A LONG-SERVING clerk and councillor have been recognised for their efforts after serving for more than five decades.

Robert Nott is in his 65th year as a councillor and Adrian Corder-Birch is in his 52nd year as clerk to Little Yeldham, Tilbury Juxta Clare and Ovington Parish Council.  

The pair were previously presented with long service awards for their work in their communities by Braintree Council chairman Andrew Hensman.

Now, they have been recognised by Essex Association of Local Councils chairman Peter Davey at a parish council meeting at Little Yeldham Village Hall.

Earlier this month, Mr Corder-Birch was also presented with two national awards by the Society of Local Council Clerks at their conference in Leicestershire. 

One was a long service award and the other was a founding member award in recognition and gratitude for his service in various capacities to the Society of Local Council Clerks during the last 50 years. 

Mr Corder-Birch lived in Little Yeldham for many years but moved to Halstead a few years ago.

He was also a founder member of the society having attended the inaugural meeting at Westminster in November 1972. 

There were about 400 clerks present, but 50 years later there are only three of them still alive.

Two retired many years ago and Mr Corder-Birch is now believed to be the only founder member who is still working as a parish council clerk.

He said: "It was a great honour to be presented with a long service award by the Essex Association of Local Councils throughout my 51 years as clerk.

“Councillor Nott and I were privileged that our service was recognised not only by the county, but also nationally. 

“It is incredible that one parish council is served by two long-serving and possibly record-breaking representatives."