Ilkley Parish Council has been rocked by the resignation of its long-standing parish clerk, Miggy Bailey.

Mrs Bailey, who has been Ilkley's Town Hall stalwart since 1989, will join the newly-formed Keighley Town Council as its administrator next month.

The news was announced by Michael Gibbons, chairman of Ilkley Parish Council, at a meeting this week. "Over the weekend I learned that Mrs Bailey has been offered the clerkship of Keighley Town Council.

"I have to tell you she has decided to take up that position and after 13 years will be leaving us. She has done a very good job for this parish council and we wish her the very best for her position in Keighley.

"It is a challenging post to take up and I am sure she will be very good for them."

Anne Hawkesworth, Ilkley district and parish councillor said after the meeting: "I personally believe Ilkley will be a lot poorer for her departure.

"However, I wish her all the best and I hope she will be happy where she goes. I think Keighley will benefit from her experience and enthusiasm."

Also following the meeting, Mrs Bailey, 55, told the Gazette that the new job would mean a new challenge for her.

Originally from Otley, Mrs Bailey moved to Ilkley 23 years ago. She has a husband Brian and three children, Annabel, 26, Abigail 23, and Alex, 14.

Although working 31 hours a week as Parish Clerk, Mrs Bailey also found the time to perform a variety of other roles in the town.

She was one of the founders of Ilkley Carnival and president for many years. She also services the Darwin Gardens Trust, is secretary of the Friends of the Kings Hall and Winter Garden, a director of the