TRIBUTES are being paid to a parish council clerk who is retiring from the role after eight years.

Kate Fraser trained as an accountant, was an ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital and taught IT skills to BT staff before becoming clerk to Bramhope and Carlton Parish Council.

A parish council spokesman said she is leaving "to the universal regret of everyone who has worked with her".

In his official acknowledgement of her resignation, parish council chairman, Cllr Denis Johnson, said to Kate: "My fellow councillors and I could not have been better served throughout the past eight years, and you will be a great loss to the parish."

Vice-chairman, Cllr Hilary Harris, described Kate as "always warm, friendly and approachable".

She added: "Kate has always gone that extra mile and puts in many more hours than her contract dictates. She will be a hard act to follow."

Bramhope councillor, John Howard, added: "I don't think it would be possible for anyone to fulfil the role better than Kate has done with her blend of exceptional skills, knowledge, experience and pragmatism."

Kate described her work during the past eight years as "extremely interesting and fulfilling".

She said: "Having no previous experience of parish council work, I have constantly been surprised at the breadth of activities the clerk becomes involved in – everything from helping with the creation of a new children’s playground to trying to eradicate a plague of moles at the cricket ground.

"I shall miss being privy to all the goings-on in the parish and also miss the councillors, past and present, who have been such a great support in my work. I hope my successor finds the job as worthwhile as I have."

The post is now being advertised. The role is part time – between 18 and 20 hours a week – paid pro rata at the appropriate National Joint Council Scale (currently £26,293 to £29, 558). Call 07530 900934 or e-mail bramhopecarlton@hotmail.com for an application pack. The closing date is February 26.