CELEBRATIONS are in order as it comes to the end of an era for Warminster town clerk Heather Abernethie, who is retiring from town council after 12 years.

An afternoon farewell reception was held at Warminster Civic Centre on April 7 where guests enjoyed a light lunch, followed by speeches and presentations.

After being in a job for so long Mrs Abernethie said despite now being able to do the things she has always wanted to do, there are many things she will miss, including her colleagues who have supported and helped her to reach her goals.

She said: "None of the work and projects I have been a part of could have been achieved on my own. I have been very fortunate to work with a fantastic team of people who have been dedicated, committed and loyal as well as always been ready for a challenge. I thank them all for their unquestioning support."

As town clerk, Mrs Abernethie has been responsible for running and promoting the council whilst supporting its 12 councillors, and maintaining many areas of the town, which she has got to know and love.

She said: "My most favourite thing about being town clerk is getting to the heart of the community, where I also live, and being involved in events, working with local organisations who are seeking funding and also trying to support the local community who want to find out more about what is going on in their town."

Since being in post, Mrs Abernethie has seen and worked on a lot of changes in Warminster.

She said: "For a number of years, plans have been underway for the expansion of Warminster, in terms of housing.

"It has always been a desire to keep the feel of this lovely market town whilst providing all that we come to expect from our towns in the 21st century."

She now has plans to go travelling to Australia, which she will start arranging in the summer, as well as volunteering for the Friends of Warminster and Warminster Festival, and enjoying some quality family time.

"I have two grandsons, aged ten and two, who I plan to see a lot more of. I am looking forward to just taking time to enjoy a few activities that I have not been able to get involved in whilst having a heavy workload."