Tributes have been paid to a Settle councillor who is leaving Craven District Council after 13 years.

Coun Helen Firth, who is moving with her husband to Northallerton, was bid a fond farewell by colleagues at last week's full council meeting.

Coun Firth, pictured, was also presented with an engraved crystal vase by representatives of Settle Pool for her 31 years’ work with the management committee.

Pool manager Sue Walker said: “Her hard work and dedication will be greatly missed.”

Coun Firth joined the council in 1999, firstly representing the Ribblesdale ward and, after ward changes, Hellifield and Long Preston.

Council leader Chris Knowles-Fitton said she had been a tireless ward councillor and very effective chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee.

Independent leader Coun Philip Barrett praised Coun Firth for the considerable effort she had put into the council.

Liberal Democrat leader Coun Paul English said she was a rare and special councillor in that she had no enemies on the council.

Coun Firth said she had expected to be around for a lot longer, but had sold her house eight days after putting it on the market.

“My time on the council has been enjoyable. If I could wish for anything, it would be for an improvement in communications with the public,” she said.