COUNCILLORS paid tribute to their town clerk who is retiring this month.

Tom Toward has served Shildon Town Council for 25 years and has overseen many projects in the town. He was presented with a painting of Shildon at the turn of the century at the annual meeting of the council on Monday.

Re-elected council leader Garry Huntingon said that he hoped the painting, created by Shildon Town councillor David Hancock would give him happy memories of the years he had worked in Shildon and praised Mr Toward for his dedication.

He said: "I would like to thank Tom for all his long service to the community, this town and all its members."