A MARVELLOUS surprise was how Great Dunmow town clerk Owen Wilson described being presented with a special scroll last Thursday, to recognise his 40 years of service to local government. The illuminated scroll, produced by local designer Eleanor Tanner

A MARVELLOUS surprise" was how Great Dunmow town clerk Owen Wilson described being presented with a special scroll last Thursday, to recognise his 40 years of service to local government.

The illuminated scroll, produced by local designer Eleanor Tanner and funded by donations from councillors, was presented to Mr Wilson at Dunmow Town Council's meeting last week.

Mr Wilson began his lengthy career with the former Dunmow Rural District Council in 1966 and then subsequently served with Hertford Borough Council, East Hertfordshire District Council, Sawbridgeworth Town Council and Stansted Mountfitchet Parish Council before being appointed as Great Dunmow's town clerk in 1992.

Mayor Frank Silver, who presented the scroll, said: "Mr Wilson's dedication, support and clear advice has been of an extremely high quality and I am certain that this will continue for many years."

Mr Wilson thanked all the councillors for their generous gift, and said: "There have been many changes to the local government during the last 40 years.

"The creation of town councils was one of the most positive steps in the period, and it has given a strong voice to the grassroots. I am pleased to have contributed in helping make that voice effective.