KELTY Community Council held a special presentation evening to mark Willie Clarke's retiral as a councillor after 43 years' service.

Willie (80), has stepped down as councillor for the Lochs ward, which includes Kelty and Benarty.

Community Council chairman, Fred Clark, said that Willie had always been someone who you could approach on any sort of issue and know that it would be dealt with.

MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Alex Rowley, was also there and he too paid tribute to the man who had chaired Cowdenbeath Area Committee for nine years and had been a councillor in Ballingry for the grand total of 43 years.

Mr Clarke was overcome with the warmth of his welcome in Kelty and all the messages he has received since he announced his decision to retire due to health issues.

He said: "I have been overwhelmed at the response from everyone.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind comments and their telephone calls and cards on my retirement from Fife Council.

"These have been really appreciated and I thank you all."

Mr Clarke, who was first elected to Fife County Council in May 1973, also served on Fife Regional Council before Fife Council was set-up in 1996.

He is not totally leaving public life though, he intends to remain on the management committee's of Fife Day Care Services, Benarty and Lochgelly Credit Union, and Benarty Centre.