A stalwart councillor was given a hearty vote of thanks by council colleagues last night as she stepped down from a top role.

Lesley Clarke, member for Abbey ward, has been on the council for over 25 years, and was replaced as chairman of Wycombe District Council by Ian McEnnis.

Fellow Conservative Ron Gaffney paid tribute to the "formidable" character, who won an OBE in 2013 for her work in local government.

Cllr Clarke, who said she attended 190 events as WDC chairman over the last year, welled up with tears as she thanked members for their heartfelt tribute and said she would now "retire to the backbenches".

Cllr McEnnis was given the chains of office as he took up the role at WDC's annual meeting on Tuesday night.

He said: "I thank my fellow councillors for electing me as chairman. I feel very privileged and honoured and will do my utmost to uphold all that is good in the district.

"I will need your assistance to achieve a successful year and thank you to Lesley and Marten [Clarke] for a job well done."

He also issued a warm welcome to the younger councillors voted onto the body, as he pledged to help the council do more to engage youth.

Conservative councillors Harry Bull, 21, and Matthew Davy, 19, were elected this month.