AN era came to end for Royston Town Council on Thursday evening. Then councillors and ex-councillors and representatives of the community came together to mark the retirement of town clerk Celia Walpole. She had been town clerk for the past 13 years – and

AN era came to end for Royston Town Council on Thursday evening.

Then councillors and ex-councillors and representatives of the community came together to mark the retirement of town clerk Celia Walpole.

She had been town clerk for the past 13 years - and she admitted that she had been "proud" to be there.

Speaking for the community groups, Peter Ketteringham, a trustee of the Royston & District Museum, spoke of her "dedication and loyalty" to Royston.

"We are not here celebrating because she is leaving, but we are celebrating her 13 years as town clerk," he said.

He talked of her looking after the councillors and inheriting a vast number of voluntary groups.

"When she came here there were various gaps between the voluntary groups, but she changed all of that - and did it without causing aggravation," said Mr Ketteringham.

He said it was her work that saw the voluntary groups now working harmoniously with the town council.

Mayor Cllr Lynn Berry praised, too, the work of Mrs Walpole in her 13 years.

Those attending the evening included nine of the mayors Mrs Walpole had worked with during her career at the town hall.

In a letter to the town council, Mrs Walpole said she had been "overwhelmed" by the evening.

She praised her staff who were "loyal and hard-working" had over the years offered support and guidance.

And she said that her successor, Susan Thornton-Bjork, would make an "excellent" town clerk.

She added: "I know I will miss it all.