A STALWART of a Dales community has retired from her position of parish council clerk after nearly 30 years.

Katie Willkomm has been serving the Arkengarthdale community for 29 years and during that time she has been involved with numerous projects and seen much change in the Dale.

The completion of the car park at Langthwaite was a high point for her, as was the building of the footpath at High Green, to improve the safety of locals and visitors alike.

Passionate about the Dale, Ms Willkomm will remember her time on the council with great fondness.

She said: "It was a pleasure to work on the council, due to the way matters were always approached in a friendly manner without confrontation."

Stephen Stubbs, Chairman of Arkengarthdale Council said, "Katie has dedicated almost 30 years of her life to support the community and we are indebted to her dedication and willingness to help at any time.

"She has been a font of knowledge and when we look back through the archives we will always remember Katie and her personal touch, such as her handwritten minutes."