DEVIZES' deputy town clerk is to retire at the end of the month after nearly 17 years with the town council.

Mrs Theresa Coles came to Devizes when her husband Tim, who had been teaching with the British Army in Germany, took a job at a primary school in Tidworth.

Mrs Coles joined the town council on a full-time basis in 1987, coming in as assistant town clerk. For many years she has organised the Christmas lights. She said: "Erecting the Christmas lights each year is a nightmare but it is worth it."

Since Mrs Coles joined, the staffing level at the town hall has grown from four full-time staff to five full-time, plus three part-time employees.

Mr and Mrs Coles plan to start their retirement by spending a year on their canal narrowboat.