'Dedicated' council clerk celebrates 50 years of service

Malcolm Wieck has worked as a clerk since 1974

An 80-year-old man has celebrated 50 years working as a "dedicated" parish council clerk.

Malcolm Wieck, of Edington Parish Council, is believed to be the longest serving clerk in Wiltshire and one of only a handful of clerks in the country who have served for five decades.

Mr Wieck was recently joined by councillors from the past and present to celebrate the milestone.

"It’s been a good time for all the years that I’ve been doing it and I shall continue for as long as my brain keeps working," he said.

Mr Wieck applied for the position in April 1974, when he was 30-years-old.

He had only been living in Edington, near Westbury, for three or four years, and decided that working with the parish council would give him the opportunity to do something for the village.

Mr Wieck said it was "very nice" to celebrate the milestone

As well as holding the clerk position, Mr Wieck works on a part-time basis as an assistant priest.

"I've been fairly busy all my life," he said.

"I’m 80 coming on 55 years old."

John Pollard, the chairman of the council, said Mr Wieck has been a "very dedicated and loyal officer of the council" over the years.

“Many past and present councillors are indebted to him for his support.

"He has a vast reservoir of knowledge on parish council matters and can always find the answer to any council question," Mr Pollard added.