Eastnor and Donnington parish councillor George Thorpe has decided to retire from local politics, after more than three decades of service to the local community.

He announced his decision at a meeting of the council and said he was standing down only after "great thought".

His fellow parish councillors said they accepted his resignation with understanding but considerable regret.

Parish clerk Christine Birkan said: "Mr Thorpe has served the people of Eastnor on the council for around 34 years.

"He was born and bred in the village and has been a very intelligent and capable member of the council. His knowledge of the parish and experience on the council has been most valuable.

"His latest important contribution was his work for the restoration of the parish fountain."

The renovation of the Victorian Temperance Fountain, on the village green, was Eastnor's well-received Millennium project. Mr Thorpe also constructed the village noticeboard and made a point of keeping it in good order.