A COMMUNITY stalwart who has compiled local event information for a town’s What’s On booklet for nine years has decided to step down.

Doug Waugh, of Richmond, has given his time for free to put together the leaflet, which is funded by Richmond Town Council and published every two months, but has completed his last one this month.

Mr Waugh said he has enjoyed putting the leaflet together and hopes someone new can take over and inject some fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

He said: “It really needs someone with some new ideas on how they can take it forward.

“It doesn’t really take too much time to do, and I have really enjoyed doing it over the years.

“You get into the rhythm of it – and it was good for getting me out collecting the information and then delivering the printed leaflets to shops and businesses in the town.

“I found that independent shops were better than the national chains but it has had a lot of support in the town.”

Andy Thursfield, who has done the design and artwork for the guide for the last 15 years, said Mr Waugh had always gone the extra mile.

He said: “Sadly, he’s now decided he must stop for personal reasons.

“I’ve been involved for 15 years, for which Richmond Town Council pays me and also the printers of the leaflet.

“I feel that such public spiritedness deserves some recognition.

“Sadly, unless someone can be found to continue Doug’s work, the latest issue of What’s On will be the last."

Mr Waugh said he would be happy to speak to anyone interested in taking it on, via d.w.m.waugh@leeds.ac.uk, or contact the town clerk.