A CLERK who has given 40 years of unbroken service to his village council was praised as a pillar of his community this week.

Mr Harry Coyle, aged 80, of Harewood Lane, Romanby, has been clerk to Romanby parish council since 1961 - and he has never missed a meeting.

Council chairman Coun Derek Parkin said: "He is a real stalwart for the parish who has always been interested in its welfare and the general environment."

Mr Coyle's four-decade career started as a favour to a friend. "They were in need of a clerk and Coun Arnold Pearson, who himself sat for 42 years on the council, asked me if I would help them out It has just blossomed from there," he said.

"I have just tried to help wherever I can and whoever I can."

He puts his remarkable attendance record down to support from his wife, Audrey. "She has backed me all the way," he said. "I have been really pleased that I have been able to manage 100pc attendance. I felt I had to give 100pc and I think I have given that. If I could get to a meeting I felt it was my duty that I should be there."

He counts his part in the building of the sports pavilion on the village green and organising the Queen's jubilee in 1977 as highlights in his service to the parish.