EMOTIONS were running high for Beer s Parish Council clerk last Tuesday- as she retired from her post and her first grandson was born. Hilary Cozens found out early in the morning that her daughter, Jacky and her husband, Simon, had a healthy 6lbs 11oz bo

EMOTIONS were running high for Beer's Parish Council clerk last Tuesday- as she retired from her post and her first grandson was born.

Hilary Cozens found out early in the morning that her daughter, Jacky and her husband, Simon, had a healthy 6lbs 11oz boy, who they have called Luke.

Hilary and her husband, Eric, rushed to Buckinghamshire to see their first grandson, before returning for the council meeting, where an emotional goodbye was said by the councillors.

She said: "It was a very emotional day for me. I spent all day on the road and only got to the meeting minutes before it started."

Hilary, who has been the council's clerk for 11 years, handed over the reigns to Karen Chipperfield at the annual and parish council meeting.

Chairman John Wells thanked Hilary for devoting her time to the job and said she would be missed.

The councillors then presented her with cut glass whisky tumblers as a leaving present.

Hilary added: "I was very touched by the chairman's remarks. The councillors took me out for a lovely meal the following night.