A man who’s given the best part of 50 years of service to local politics in the north of the island has stepped down.

John Quayle has been involved with Jurby Commissioners since 1973, as well as taking on roles with neighbouring authorities in Andreas and Ballaugh.

A special event was held at Jurby Parish Hall, attended by government ministers, commissioners, and friends to wish parish clerk Mr Quayle a happy retirement.

Speaking to local democracy reporter Chris Cave, he offered some words of advice for his successors.

’I wish the new clerks a lot of luck,’ he said. ’It’s much harder than they think.

’Of all the members I’ve had over these years - 47 I’ve had at Jurby - I don’t think I’ve ever fallen out with any of them.’

He urged people who had concerns about issues in their area to stand for election.

’Local authority work is different from central government. They usually serve the people free of charge.

’There is a facility to be paid for attending meetings but in all the time I’ve been here none of them has ever charged anything. They’ve been glad to do it for the parish.

’I know they get criticism some times but there are decisions that have to be made and it’s not always easy. It gives something back to their communit.