A FORMER long-serving York councillor has been presented with a memento of his years of service to the city.

Dr Roger Pierce stood down as a Labour member for the Hull Road ward on City of York Council last month due to ill health, with his successor set to emerge at a by-election on October 14.

And York Central MP Hugh Bayley met him on Saturday to present him with an enamel badge given to ex-councillors, saying: “Roger spent much of his time working in the ward and he was often seen out picking up litter and clearing up the local park. His presence at council meetings will be missed, particularly his expertise on planning issues.”

Dr Pierce said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the council and it has been an honour to serve the residents of the Hull Road ward.

“I have learned a great many things about what makes an effective councillor over the past three-and-a-half years, and will be presenting our by-election candidate, Mick Hoban, with a key to a box containing all those qualities and skills I hope he will need to call upon if elected.

“He is a great local candidate and I wish him every success.”