LONG-serving council clerk Margaret Turner has bowed out for a new life in the United States.

Mrs Turner, who has been clerk of Loftus Town Council for 17 years, was presented with a gold watch after officiating at her last meeting before leaving for the US where her husband has taken up a new job.

"She has done a splendid job and we wish her well," said Councillor Eric Jackson, a town councillor and Loftus ward member on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Alison Atkinson has taken over the role at the town council