A LONG serving parish councillor was recognised for 30 years’ service to his community on Monday, May 11.

Councillor Les Partridge has served the parish of Morchard Bishop since May 1995, when he was 35.

During the May Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council, the Council Chairman Simon Baker presented Les with an engraved glass award and card signed by all of the council members and clerk David Parker.

Simon said: “The Parish Council are very grateful to Les for his sterling and committed work over the years, and in advance of more to come.

“He is a quiet and gentle man, yet empathetic, warm and a ‘doer’ quietly behind the scenes, and a walking encyclopaedia of valuable local knowledge.

“Notable achievements but not limited to in his time to date, include salt spreading in the winters, clearing snow, gritting pavements and clearing the Parish Council School Car Park drains.

“He serves and helps with Remembrance, D-day events and Armistice and fundraisers including the very successful laser show and bonfire that match funded the school wellbeing track.

“With his telehandler he has helped plant various trees around the village and move materials.

Les’s wife Caroline was a surprise guest in time for the presentation.

• Morchard Bishop is gearing up for Morfest, the Morchard Bishop Festival, which will take place on Saturday, May 23 at The London Inn Fields.

It will include live music from local bands, comedy, local performers, a barbecue and other food options, bar, stalls and bouncy castle.

The event is being organised by the Parish Council and village organisations and will run from 12 noon to late.

All are invited to the family day out. Take cash to spend on the day.

Tickets are available from The London Inn, Church Street Stores and parish councillors.

Advance tickets: adults £25, children £10, on the day: adults £30, children £10.