A "VINTAGE YEAR" has been celebrated, with two local councillors toasted for their long service.

Coun Geoff Ellis and Coun Mollie Haigh were both applauded for serving 16 years each on Hambleton District Council.

Coun Ellis has represented Easingwold and Coun Haigh has represented Shipton since 1987.

Coun Ellis said: "I have spent 16 very happy years at the council - and intend to serve at least 20.

"It has been a very significant part of my life for the whole time, and now I look back on it all with some very happy memories."

In that time Coun Ellis has made the 44-mile round trip from his home to Northallerton more than 1,200 times, has been to more than 150 site visits, and almost 200 planning meetings.

He said: "This anniversary both gladdens and saddens me - I have been here for much of my working life since my 40s, serving more than three years full-time for the council - and now could do with the 12 weeks' paid holiday I think I have earned."

Coun Haigh paid tribute to her colleagues.

She said: "It is an honour for me to have been part of the class of 1987, here we have cabinet members, chairmen of committees and the incoming chairman of the council.

"I feel I have been very fortunate to serve with such distinguished company - and intend to serve with them for a few years more - but this surely was a vintage year."

A total of six councillors elected in 1987 were recognised by the council with plaques commemorating their long service.

Councillors John Coulson, Susan Latter, John Morley and David Smith were the other members of the noted company.

Updated: 09:53 Friday, April 18, 2003