WHEN South East Cornwall farmer Ken Trewin first stood for election to his local parish council in 1946 he little thought he would still be there almost 70 years later — making him one of the longest serving local councillors in the country.

Ninety-two-year-old Mr Trewin has just stood down as a member of South Hill Parish Council after a staggering 67 years in local government in Cornwall. 

He also served on Liskeard Rural District Council between 1964 and 1969, and was a member of the former Cornwall County Council between 1969 and 1981.

Members of South Hill Parish Council held a special ceremony at Golberdon Village Hall to thank Mr Trewin for his dedication to the local community and to unveil a special plaque on the wall of the hall he helped to build 60 years earlier.

The ceremony was also attended by Cornwall councillors and officers and friends and family members of the retiring councillor.

Highlighting his contribution to the village, parish council chairman Dennis Hicks said Mr Trewin had been a major figure in the construction of the original village hall building in 1954 and the more recent extension. 

He had also served on the village hall committee, the flower show committee and the Hawkin Charity Trust.

Mr Hicks said: 'No one else has ever given as much time and effort for the parish. This has left us with the legacy of a rich communal parish which we are proud to have today.

'There are also many people in the parish who Ken has quietly helped to sort out their problems by using his many contacts and influence. We thank you very much for what you have done and will always be indebted to you'.

Congratulating Mr Trewin on his achievement, current Cornwall Council chairman John Wood said he was humbled by the realisation that the 92-year-old had become a councillor the year before he was born:  'Your record of service to your local community is a truly remarkable one. Both the chief executive and I am honoured to have been invited to attend this special ceremony and to pay tribute to your achievements.'

Mr Trewin, who had been discharged from hospital earlier in the day, thanked everyone for their comments.  Adding that he had many special memories of his time as a parish, district and county councillor, he said that one of his proudest achievements was the construction of the village hall.

The ceremony also marked 37 years' service by parish councillor Jill Reynolds.