KEVIN SAYER insists he has been immensely proud to have been given the opportunity to twice work in local government in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area and he is confident that the challenges facing the communities can be met.

The Community Services Manager for the past six years retires in September and on Wednesday he attended his last meeting of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee.

Convener Linda Erskine thanked Kevin for his hard work, on behalf of her fellow councillors, and commented that his commitment to the Cowdenbeath area was outstanding.

Kevin recalled that he had spent 38 years in local government starting with Dunfermline District Council and during that time he was stationed in Benarty.

He said: "I was fortunate to be in the Ballingry area at a time when there were a lot of changes occurring and it was then I met a certain gentleman called Willie Clarke, who was to be the chairman of the Area Committee when I came back.

"When I had the chance to replace Joe McGuinness in 2013 I really felt like I was coming home and I have been so happy to be working with the committee at a time of a lot of good things happening in the area.

"The town centre improvements in Cowdenbeath taking place recently have been striking and the work in Lochgelly has also been excellent".

He added: "It has been a pleasure working with the different members of the Area Committee over the past six years and I wish everyone well for the future."

Councillor Erskine presented Kevin with gifts on behalf of the committee and knowing that he is to continue with his work promoting the 'Be Jennie Lee' initiative she hoped to see him at future events.