ROYAL Wootton Bassett's town clerk of 32 years has retired.

Johnathan Bourne has supported the town during the repatriations and the town receiving its royal status.

Over the three decades of serving Wootton Bassett he has worked with 30 Mayors and countless councillors from their election through to departure.

And his leadership has resulted in the town council achieving the Local Council Award Scheme Gold Award making it one of the top 50 town councils in the country.

A spokesperson for Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council said: "I, our council and the residents all wish to offer our most sincere gratitude for everything that Johnathan has done and supported our town through. He has raised and kept us to the highest of standards.

"I and the whole Town Council wish Johnathan a long and enjoyable retirement, and hope that he and his wife, Deborah, will continue to make RoyalWootton Bassett their home town for many years to come."

The pandemic has prevented a service to mark his achievements and retirement.

But the current mayor councillor Nic Hughes and all councillors hope there will be an opportunity to do this soon.