After 11 years the woman at the helm of a small dales town is to leave. Having held the position of Town Clerk to Middleham Council since 2004, Julie Owram is to retire.

She said: “ I have enjoyed my time here is Middleham. It is a very challenging job and I have been kept busy, there is no chance of ever being bored.

“ I wish both the town and new clerk well.”

Ms Owram intends to spend more time with her husband and pursuing her many hobbies, including walking and getting to know the dales better.

An evening at Fairhursts Bistro was the venue for a special send off where the outgoing clerk was joined by town councillors and friends. Mayor of Middleham Tammi Tolhurst presented her with a watercolour painting of the racing town she had served so well over recent years.

Ms Tolhurst said: “ For the 11 years she has held the position Julie has undertaken many complicated and onerous tasks with great dedication and care.

“I have always valued her perspective and balanced view. I personally will miss her greatly as I am sure will the rest of the town council.”

“We wish her a very happy retirement and hope she finds time to visit us.”

Sue McDonnell from Northallerton will now undertake the role. With a background as a local government accountant, Ms McDonnell was finance manager at Hambleton Council until 3½ years ago: more recently she has worked in the private sector.

She said: “ I was really interested in working at Middleham, although I only knew one person in the town, I have been made very welcome.”