Axminster Town Council has confirmed that its long-standing town clerk, Hilary Kirkcaldie, will be stepping down from the post at the end of the year.

Miss Kirkcaldie has been at the helm of the town council for more than 20 years.

She had considered stepping down last year to concentrate on family commitments but, following the sudden death last December of the Mayor of Axminster, Anni Young, she stayed on to keep the council on a steady course.

The current Mayor, Cllr Jill Farrow, said: "It is almost impossible for anyone in Axminster to imagine the council running without Hilary and her wide-ranging knowledge and experience will be greatly missed."

The vacancy of town clerk will be advertised in due course.