BARRY McKAY, a popular and well-known figure in Bovingdon, has resigned from his position as parish council clerk.

Barry, a prominent fundraiser for the Parkinson's Disease Society who staged a car show last year and organised two autograph auctions, announced his decision at the last council meeting, on Monday, February 5.

Barry, who has Parkinson's disease himself and has worked as parish clerk for three years, said: "I've really enjoyed it and I'm sorry to leave."

Betty Attard has also resigned, bringing to an end 20 years of being a parish councillor.

Betty, from Old Dean, described Barry as "wonderful".

She said: "He's so good with people and the parish clerk is there to help people and he did a good job.

"I've been very proud to be on the council.

"I started the youth association and was always doing things for Bovingdon village."

Betty was on the council when it was awarded the titles of Best Kept Village and Best Services for Old People and for Youth, during the 1990s.

Despite leaving her council duties, she remains involved with the Save Bovingdon Fire Station Action Group, the Evergreens, Bovingdon Care and the Youth Association.

Sylvia McClelland, the parish chairman from 1982 to 2004, paid tribute to Barry's efforts over the years.

She said: "I so enjoyed working with him during my time as chairman and I was impressed with how soon he became familiar with the routine of running the office.

"The village should always be grateful to him and everyone will miss his friendly, helpful approach and his deep interest in village matters."

The next meeting of the council will be on Monday, March 12.