A NEW full-time clerk has been appointed by Keighley Town Council to begin work next month.

Miggy Bailey has jumped ship from Ilkley Parish Council after serving as its clerk for 13 years.

The news was announced at a meeting of Ilkley's Parish Council this week.

And her imminent arrival as administrator for the council has been greeted with enthusiasm by her new employers.

Martin Leathley, Mayor of Keighley, said: "We are very pleased that such an experienced person as Mrs Bailey is coming to be our administrator.

"We had a lot of people coming for the job but she was the most experienced. We have no doubt she will do a very good job."

Explaining her reasons for joining Keighley's town council, she said: "I got the 13 year itch. The job appeared and Keighley is an ambitious new council - I fancied a change and felt it was the right time to make a career move.

"I felt it was something I could tackle and jobs like that are few and far between unless you are prepared to move house."

Before starting with Ilkley Parish Council in 1989 Mrs Bailey had worked for a firm of solicitors and was a member of the Young Conservatives, giving her legal and political experience.

She said: "When I looked at the job specifications for Keighley I thought this was for me and something I could not let pass me by. It is something I felt I wanted to go for.

"Keighley is one of the largest town councils in the country and it is a step up for me. I am looking forward to the challenge."

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."

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.