A LONG-SERVING Selby councillor is set to retire after 12 years of district council work.

Joyce Dyson, who has represented the Selby West ward on the area’s district council for the Conservatives since 1999, has also been a town councillor for 24 years and was Selby’s mayor in 2003.

Shortly after she took up her district councillor role, the area was struck by the heavy floods of 2000, and she volunteered to work each night in the silver control room at the Selby District Council office.

Her work saw her meet the Prince of Wales and earn an invitation to 10 Downing Street in recognition of her.

Coun Dyson also held the position of district council chairman in 2007-08 and worked as an officer at the authority for 33 years. Her son Michael, who is also a town councillor for Selby West, will be contesting the ward for the Tories on May 5 alongside fellow party candidate Dave Peart.