AFTER 10 years as Town Clerk of Helmsley, Dinah Farley is stepping down, and is also retiring as clerk of Slingsby parish council.

For several years she was also the clerk to Ampleforth Parish Council and holds the Certificate in Local Council Administration. Before going into her local government, Mrs Farley had a career in soft furnishings.

She is being succeeded by Victoria Ellis, her deputy, who was also clerk of Ampleforth, and previously the Town Clerk of Kirkbymoorside.

Said Dinah: "It has been a real pleasure to have worked with the Helmsley councillors. They work so hard for the good of Helmsley."

A keen outdoor life enthusiast, walker and cyclist, Victoria, who previously spent 10 years at Ryedale District Council, said: "To be Town Clerk of Helmsley is a dream job for anyone in local government, working in such a lovely town which is so go-ahead. I am really looking forward to the challenge."

However both agreed that the role of town or parish clerk had become a much ore demanding role with increasing legislation. "You rsally have to be switched on," said Dinah, who leaves her post at the end of May.