The longest serving councillor on Steeton with Eastburn Parish Council is retiring after 24 years.

Conservative Eric Dawson, of Steeton, was co-opted onto the parish council on June 6,1979.

But a recent fall and a good innings at the parish council have contributed to his decision to step down.

"I broke my back earlier this year on holiday, but it's much better now," said Councillor Dawson.

He added: "I am getting on now as well, going on 77. I've enjoyed my time on the council - it's been an exciting time. I've met some real characters and seen a lot of change, but it's time for someone else to have a go now."

Councillor Dawson will remain as a district councillor and as such will continue to sit on the Keighley Area Planning Panel.

He has been very active in local politics and has served at City Hall as his party's deputy chief whip, deputy chairman of schools buildings sub-committee and on the West Yorkshire fire and civil defence joint board.

Cllr Dawson has also served on education, further education and highways committees.

A former chairman of Steeton with Eastburn Parish Council, Cllr Dawson says he has enjoyed his time there.

He explained: "People are on the council because they want to make a difference or because they enjoy it. With me it's been both. It's been hard work at times, but I've always been there to add my two penn'orth and to try to make a difference.

"One day the clerk rang me up - it must have been 15 years since - and said if I wanted to save the Bobbin Mill clock I'd better get up there.

"I raced round to Bobbin Mill just as they were about to knock the clock down. Anyway, I gave them a good talking to and they carefully took down the clock so we managed to preserve it for the village.

"It's the clock face you see on Steeton School. The mechanics and the pendulum ended up going to Cliffe Castle."

He also says that thanks to him questioning the importance of having a bowling club in Steeton, the club was saved and continues to thrive.

"I hadn't been on the council long when I said the club was under used - which it was - and a bit of a white elephant. I suggested it be turned into a playground or something," he explained.

He continued: "It certainly galvanised people and I supported them as best I could to get funding to update the club and keep it as a bowling club, and it has gone from strength to strength."

Other issues of significance that he has worked for include trying to battle the UDP to secure green belt land in the area, as well as fighting for the Aire Valley Trunk Road and securing the railway station.

Councillor Dawson says he will miss the people but will probably still continue to attend meetings.

"I'll be there to see what goes on. And my daughter Dianne is vice chairman this year and I'm sure she'll do a good job of following in my footsteps."

Councillor Dawson is president of Silsden Conservative Club and is actively involved with the Cross Hills Royal British Legion.