After nearly 30 years a clerk who has "devoted her life" to Egremont Town Council is stepping down this week.

Margaret Woodburn took the role in 1987 and during her time has helped the people of Egremont deal with numerous issues.

Described by town councillors as 'Mrs Egremont', Margaret has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the town.

She said: "I've enjoyed it, it has been a challenge every day. You have to ferret around and find things out for people and for yourself. For example, Egremont Market Hall belonged to Copeland Council and when we took it on we had to learn how to run it."

Now that she is winding down Margaret has had chance to reminisce about her years of service, which included started as a Copeland councillor in 1981.

"I've been rooting among old boxes and archives, I've found some interesting stuff from over the years. I was looking through some Copeland councillor profiles and saying 'I remember him' and 'I was on a committee with them'," she explained.

Lena Hogg, chair of Egremont Town Council, paid tribute to Margaret, saying "as councillors we owe her so much."

She added: "Margaret has been on the council over 25 years and has devoted her life to it. She has worked extra hours and every hour that has been asked of her. Someone once called her Mrs Egremont and she hated it but Egremont has been Margaret's life.

"During her time she has looked at improving Egremont, such as the memorial gardens. She has helped new councillors get to grips with the role and has kept us all on the straight and narrow."

Margaret's daughter Geraldine Pritchard will take on the role of town clerk, with support from assistant clerk Cheryl O'Pray.

Margaret said: "It's been very interesting, you meet a lot of nice people from everywhere.

"You can't say you know it all, you learn stuff as you go ahead. Sometimes it isn't very nice when you're trying your best and people are being critical."