A DEVOTED parish councillor has retired from his role after 40 years of service.

John Haile, received an engraved salver to thank him for his years dedicated to the parish of St Bees.

The councillor worked hard after being elected on to the parish council in 1979, and even served five years as chairman, making his father’s memory proud, who also served as a parish councillor in the 1930s.

John was extremely grateful for the gift he was presented with, as was his wife, who received a bouquet of flowers at the annual parish meeting.

Parish council chairman Doug Sim handed John his well-earned gift to commemorate the long-standing member’s commitment to St Bees parish, ‘in grateful thanks for John’s much valued service, including his five years spent as chairman.’

The evening, in May, concluded with John expressing his best wishes to the parish council, with high hopes for its wonderful future work.