A Helston boy who went on to oversee the running of the town is preparing to bid farewell to both the job and Cornwall within weeks.

Helston town clerk Chris Dawson will be retiring on December 31, after 16 years in the role.

A celebration event will take place for him next Wednesday (December 23), but due to continuing coronavirus restrictions this will be taking place 'virtually' online.

Between 12.30pm and 4pm people can log on via Zoom to pass on their best wishes at any point. To attend contact deputy town clerk Pamela Lavelle via enquiries@helston-tc.gov.uk for joining details.

Chris's forthcoming retirement was revealed back in June when a member of the public sent their good wishes.

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Chris, who was born in Helston, admits that he feels privileged to have been able to hold this position in his hometown, saying that it was his father’s proudest day when he became town clerk.

Prior to joining Helston Town Council Chris had gained 21 years’ local government experience working with Cornwall County Council, Cornwall College and Carrick District Council.

He put this experience to good used during his time at Helston, assisting in the achievement of a number of awards including the Local Council Award Scheme Quality Gold status in 2017 and runner up National Council of the Year.

Chris said he particularly valued the support he was given by fellow clerks when he began his role and the camaraderie that developed over the following years, adding that he was pleased to have been in a position to help others in a similar manner.

During his time with the council Chris was a member of the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) and has served as both chairman and secretary for SLCC Cornwall Branch.

Chris and his wife, Donna, hope to move to Portugal early in the new year and begin their retirement under sunny skies.

Paying tribute to the town clerk, the mayor of Helston John Martin said: "Chris has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the Helston town and our council.

"Chris has seen us through both good times and hard times and has done so with professionalism and good character. We all wish him and his family a happy and healthy future."

Deputy town clerk, Pamela Lavelle, who will be taking over the role of town clerk in January, said: "It has been a pleasure to work with Chris for the last 15 years and I have learnt a lot from him. I wish him all the best for his retirement."