One of East Devon’s longest-serving parish clerks has retired after 25 years.

David Atkins became clerk for Newton Poppleford and Harpford Parish Council in 1992. He has stepped down due to his health.

Some 70 guests attended a special dinner at Newton Poppleford Pavilion to celebrate the milestone with the 78-year-old.

David, who has also been a parish councillor for Lympstone for 48 years, was presented with books and tickets for a steam train experience to mark his retirement.

The Lympstone resident, who has also been a district councillor, was looking for a challenge when the parish clerk post became available.

David said: “I need something to keep my mind going, so I applied and was invited to an interview and they picked me.”

Friend Shan Merrett said: “Well-known in the parish, David has liaised closely with local people and community organisations, unstintingly providing information, advice and support to all.

“He never restricted himself to any official job description, performing many jobs that are well above and beyond the normal range of clerk’s duties such as helping to organise village celebrations, shifting tables and chairs between parishes, bringing his own equipment to trim overgrown hedgerows - and many other things.”

A service was also held at Harpford Church on Easter Sunday to celebrate David’s 50 years of public service.