A two-time mayor of Swaffham has stood down from the town council to concentrate on his new position as a Breckland Council cabinet member.

Ian Sherwood, who was first elected to both the town and district councils in 1999, told Swaffham town councillors last night he would continue to serve the town as one of its three district councillors.

He said: 'I have been elected on four occasions, in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 and was 50 in Monday so I believe now is the right time to stand down from the town council and I can continue to serve Swaffham well at district level and will work with you all for the benefit of our town.'

He said his highlights on the council included the town council's role in the fight to save Swaffham community hospital, and the home coming parade and award of honorary citizenship to II Squadron at RAF Marham. He also said he would never forget visiting all the care homes with the mayoress on Christmas Day.

Fellow former mayor Shirley Matthews led tributes to Mr Sherwood's time on the council, and said: 'You know we will miss you greatly. Your delivery is serious and always worth listening to.

'We will miss your wisdom and experience greatly and your companionship. It has been a pleasure to work with you and I know we will miss you.'