A MAN dubbed ‘Mr Kirkby Lonsdale’ has retired from the town council after more than a decade of service.

Throughout Alan Day’s time as council chairman, he has been a pioneering figure in crucial projects that have transformed key landmarks in the Lunesdale town.

Mr Day, who became a Kirkby Lonsdale town councillor in 1998 and was elected chairman at his first council meeting, stood down at the town council meeting today - in the week of his 85th birthday.

Since taking up the role of councillor he has helped boost the appearance and facilities of the town including developing Jubilee field into Jubilee Park, equipped with benches and features for visitors and resi-dents to enjoy.

He played a role in bringing Georgian lighting to the town centre and developing the playing field near Booths supermarket into a space for children to play.

He is proud that the council has managed to keep the threatened public toilets open at Devil’s Bridge.

“Kirkby means so much to me and it always will,” he said.

“I will still be going to the council meetings and helping in any way I can.

"Kirkby has been my life. I moved here 23 years ago from Keighley and I just think we are so fortunate.”

Known by many as Mr Kirkby Lonsdale due to his dedication and hard work, colleagues say he will be sorely missed.

Vice Chairman Allan Muir-head, who has worked with Mr Day for 12 years, said: “It is sad to see him go but we all understand his reasons.

"He has served the town well for a very long period and has taken the town into his heart despite not being originally from here.”

Mr Day took on a number of other roles within the community including as chairman of the institute committee and civic society, and a member of Kirkby branch of the Royal British Legion.