THE chauffeur who ensures Richmondshire District Council's chairman arrives at engagements on time is to retire after 30 years.

Derek Bagley was appointed in May 1974, following the creation of the authority in a major local government reorganisation. He steps down next month at the end of the civic year.

Coun Michael Heseltine, whose year of office as chairman ends next month, presented Mr Bagley with an Excellence in Performance award, normally reserved for full-time employees of the council.

"Throughout the last 30 years, Derek has been friend and helper to a long line of council chairmen and has become renowned for his punctuality and reliability," Coun Heseltine told a meeting of the full council on Tuesday.

Mr Bagley, who was mayor of Richmond in 1981, said he was honoured to receive the award.

"Over the years as chauffeur I have met very many people, royalty, lords and ladies, high sheriffs, MPs and chiefs of police," he said. "It has been very interesting and enjoyable. I have also managed to maintain a clean driving licence and an accident-free record."

Driving duties for the council chairman will, however, stay in the family, as Mr Bagley's brother, Trevor, who has deputised for him for several years, takes over the car keys.