A RIBBLE Valley parish councillor who has had an ‘illustrious career’ has retired after 41 years of service.

Community stalwart Cyril Law became a parish councillor in 1970 and represented Read as a Ribble Valley borough councillor for many years as an independent.

He played an active part in Read’s successful application to be included in the 1972 boundary review and had a central role in the successful public inquiry held in support of Simonstone’s application for inclusion in the Ribble Valley.

Over the years he also represented the village on numerous bodies including the Police Forum, the Education Liaison Committee and the Police and Crime Partnership.

In 2010, he was presented with a long service certificate by fellow councillors and following his retirement he was awarded a plaque by the officers in appreciation of his efforts to ensure good relationships between parishes and the borough council.

Pat Young, chairman of the Parish Councils’ Liaison Committee, said: “There are many murderers or train robbers who didn't serve as long!

“We will all miss your interventions like the young lady from Mellor- we were all young to Cyril.

“We will also miss your humour and patience and different way you dealt with people.”