THE former deputy leader of Herefordshire Council has announced plans to stand down as she sets sail on an entirely new adventure.

Councillor Patricia Morgan will step down as councillor for the Bishop's Frome and Cradley ward at the end of September after 10 years, to sail around the world with her husband, Julian.

This follows her resignation from the cabinet responsibilities of deputy leader and cabinet member at the end of July. She has been the local member in this area for 10 years.

Of leaving, Cllr Morgan said: "I have loved representing where I have lived and am really proud of what has been achieved both in the Ward and within the county. Herefordshire is really moving forward with the new shopping area at the Old Market, plans in place for a new relief road and even a new university."

Cllr Morgan and her husband, who has been a Hereford magistrate for eight years, will be leaving the county at the end of this month.

They plan to sail down to the Canaries and then cross the Atlantic in November of this year to arrive in Barbados for Christmas.

This will be the start of an around-the-world voyage for the next five years or so. The sailing bug started with a short sail in the Herefordshire Sailing Club yacht many years ago and this trip then became a lifelong ambition.

Cllr Morgan added: "We have lived, farmed and brought up our children at Fromes Hill for nearly 30 years. This trip is a huge opportunity but leaving and packing up makes you realise what a fantastic place this is.

"We will really miss the people, our friends, the countryside, and so much more that is Herefordshire.”