STOKESLEY Parish Council has co-opted a new councillor, following the resignation of John Lyons.

At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 14, the council welcomed Stokesley resident Malcolm Smallwood to its ranks.

Mr Smallwood recently retired and has brought up four children who went to local schools in the area.

He will be replacing John Lyons who stepped down from the council in March. At the meeting, Councillor Phil Wardle, told councillors: “I have been on the parish council for about 19 years and I think it’s time for some new blood.”

Chairman of the council, Councillor Andy Wake, thanked him for his work and said he would be much missed by the council.

The clerk of the council, Jackie Wheeler, will be retiring from her post at the end of this month after handing over the role to her replacement.