A SENIOR councillor described her OBE as an exciting way to start the new year and to conclude her decade as council leader.

June Imeson has held the senior post at Hambleton District Council since the early 1990s, but had already represented Great Ayton on the authority for 20 years by then.

But she said inclusion in the New Year Honours list will not change her mind about quitting as leader in May.

"I've had enough now and it is time for someone else to take over the reins," she said.

Councillor Imeson, who also sits on Great Ayton Parish Council, ran a family garage business with her late husband until illness forced them to sell up 20 years ago.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to have been nominated in the awards," she said yesterday. "It was a delightful surprise when I realised what the letter was - and I'll admit I had to read it again."