FOR 27 years Bernard Curtis has been a member of Hittisleigh Parish Council. He retired this year and at his last council meeting in April, he received special thank you gifts.

Cllr Richard Gard, parish council chairman, said Bernard had been an especially useful member because he had known the area for so long.

"He knows the history of things around the parish which is so useful and always makes a valuable contribution," commented Richard.

More thanks were given at this month’s Hittisleigh Market when Bernard was presented with a photograph of himself with other councillors.