A NEW town clerk has been appointed for Warminster Town Council and will take over the reins on April 7.

Fiona Fox will replace Heather Abernethie, who is retiring after 12 years with the council.

Mrs Fox was most recently parish clerk for Witley in Surrey.

She was married last summer and recently moved to Amesbury, where she lives with her husband, two stepchildren and Kipper, her rescue greyhound.

Mrs Fox said: “I was thrilled to find a vacancy in the area that suits my skills and I’m excited at the prospect of taking on responsibility for a larger parish than my current one.

“I am honoured and delighted to be the next clerk of Warminster Town Council.”

Mrs Abernethie, 58, said: “Im going to miss it a lot.

“I got to do things I never expected such as attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace and organising parades with the Army in 2012, which were very poignant.”

“It was a busy role as more and more services were devolved to the town council from Wiltshire Council and I’m proud of the town council’s work in the park since we took it over.

“I’m also proud that we managed to get the neighbourhood plan through after years of hard work forming it.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my grandchildren and going on holiday when I retire.

“I’m delighted with Fiona’s appointment and wish her the best of luck.”