A VOLUNTEER who has retired from Ledbury Heritage Centre says his experience taught him about the town's fascinating history.

Jim Cagill, 82, has stepped down after 15 years of helping out at the Church Lane centre. To show their gratitude, Herefordshire Council splashed out on a meal for Mr Cagill and his wife at The Talbot Hotel.

Mr Cagill's time at the heritage centre began soon after he moved to Ledbury.

"We were exploring the place and went up Church Lane," he recalled.

"I expressed an interest in the building itself. There were a couple of characters standing in the doorway and they said why don't you volunteer?

"It seem like something to give to the town and it simply carried on from there."

Since then, Mr Cagill has spent his Wednesday mornings and alternate Sundays at the centre, showing visitors around as well as undertaking practical tasks such as changing lightbulbs.

"It was just putting a bit back into Ledbury," he said.

"I think the memory I take away is the history of Ledbury itself. It was a very interesting way of filling in a couple of hours and keeping me out of my wife's way!"

Chris Clarke, supervisor at the Tourist Information Centre, said Mr Cagill had been one of the "precious" volunteers.

"We're going to miss him dreadfully," she said.

"He's been doing it for such a long time and he's been very special."