A CAMPAIGN over a community sports field and access roads led Fernhill Heath resident Paul Coley to 25 years in local politics.

The former chairman of North Claines Parish Council is now celebrating a quarter of a century as a parish councillor and his colleagues marked the occasion with a special presentation as a tribute to his loyalty and dedication to the community.

Shortly after the start of the sports field and roads campaign there was a by-election for the parish council. Mr Coley, of Broadfield Crescent, decided to stand and was duly elected.

Since 1981 he has seen many changes to the area and been involved with many issues - one that gives him particular pride is the sprucing up of Fernhill Heath's burial ground.

"I went down there to take a look at it and you could not see the grave stones.

"We got a party together, cleared it as best we could and the parish council gave a grant to maintain it."

Mr Coley, who has been chairman of the parish council several times and is currently vice-chairman, has also been a Wychavon district councillor for nearly 24 years and was also chairman of the authority. His local knowledge and easy going nature have been keys to his success in local politics.

"I do not do surgeries because I do not need to. I walk around and see what is going on and if we can improve things. If people want to see me in private, I go and see them. I have lived here for nearly 40 years and I like serving the community I live in. I keep the politics out of it," he said.

Mr Coley was presented with a cut glass decanter during a special celebration evening at the White Hart pub, Fernhill Heath, on Tuesday.

John Carter, the chairman of North Claines Parish Council, said: "He has done a damn good job.

"He is very experienced in the ways of local government. He has been around a long time and it has been 25 years of loyalty and dedication."