EARBY'S parish council clerk for the past 10 years has stepped down with a tear in her eye and a sideswipe at those too quick to criticise the best efforts of their hard working local representatives.

Denese Edmondson has served as the clerk to Earby Parish Council since its inception and played a key role in its running in the decade since.

At a presentation at Monday's meeting she thanked members for their support and said it had been a difficult decision to give up the role. However, her husband, David was now semi-retired and they hoped to take life at a more leisurely pace after "dashing around for 40 years".

Denese also stuck up for the sometimes dull but nevertheless important work done by parish councillors, all for no reward other than the benefit of the community.

"I hate all the knocks that parish councils get from outsiders who don't know all the work you do, and that it's all voluntary," she said.

Parish council chairman Chris Tennant presented Denese with a canteen of cutlery and a bouquet in recognition of her work over the years, which was often over and above what her contract required.

"This comes with a heartfelt thanks from Earby Parish Council and everyone in Earby who has been associated with you, for all the work and the many hours you've put in on our behalf," said Coun Tennant.

Craven Herald reporter Duncan Smith, who has covered the parish council since it started, added his own tribute:

"Denese has been an absolute treasure for the council and a wonderful ambassador for it in her dealings with other bodies, including the press."

The position of parish council clerk has been advertised and a sub-committee of members will be interviewing candidates in the near future.