Three long-standing district councillors with nearly half-a-century's service between them are bowing out this year to make way for some new faces.

Labour stalwart Jim Blamire of Kendal's Underley ward joins former Kendal mayor John Studholme (Lib Dem) of the town's Castle ward, and fellow ex-mayor and Independent Philip Ball of Oxenholme in retirement.

Coun Blamire, who has spent 22 years on Kendal Town Council and 16 at South Lakeland District Council, said he had enjoyed serving the ward in which he lived but felt it was now time to leave the chambers.

"If I go on for another four years that puts me into my 70s.

I don't believe there should be too many old people on council."

He said helping the Kendal in Bloom project flourish was one of his most-satisfying jobs.

Coun Studholme will also not be on the campaign trail although he will continue working for the Liberal Democrat campaign behind the scenes.

"I have done 22 years, it's a long time," he said.

"It's a good thing to have fresh blood and fresh ideas."

He added that the decision to go was partly influenced by the introduction of the cabinet system, which had left

those without the time to commit to cabinet with less influence on policy.

Coun Studholme singled out affordable housing as one of his best achievements.

Through his position on a council working party, he helped to ensure SLDC invested in homes during the late 80s and early 90s after the Margaret Thatcher-led sale of council houses.

For Coun Philip Ball, the decision to leave SLDC was a matter of health and personal commitments.

He admitted that he may find it hard to wind down but looked forward to spending time with his wife Jennifer: " I still have enough to keep me occupied, but it's hard to learn how to relax.

"Maybe local politics takes over.

I'm conscious I should spend time with my wife who's been a tower of strength.

I feel that now the time is right to stand down."

Former Norweb electrician Coun Philip Ball has been three-times mayor of Kendal and spent 12 years as a town councillor and eight years as a district councillor for Oxenholme and Kendal Parks.

"Being the mayor of Kendal for three years was my greatest achievement," he said.

"I hope I have been able to help the community - which is what I came into local politics to do."

Coun Ball cites one of his many successes as a councillor as raising the profile of voluntary work.