ONE of the Journal's village correspondents is standing down after a long association with the newspaper.

Elizabeth "Myrtle" Gill, of Manor Road, Eckington, has been sending the village's news to the paper since the 1960s.

Myrtle, aged 80, who has lived in the village almost all her life, said she is resigning as correspondent because she feels it is time for someone else to have a turn.

"I think now in these days of computers and technology, because I do all my writing in longhand, it is time for someone younger to have a go."

Myrtle said she used to go to all the meetings and took a great interest in them. Her last report will appear in today's (Thursday) edition of the Journal. "Eckington used to be a small village, with a community of about 700. It has now grown so much and has a new element, which is good because a village has to grow or die."

She added: "I feel very strongly that I have made my contribution. I have found the work interesting, but feel the time has come to put up my pen."

The Journal is now looking for a replacement to contribute Eckington's weekly news. Anyone who is interested in taking over from Myrtle should write to: John Murphy, The Editor, Evesham Journal and Admag Series, Briar Close Business Park, Briar Close, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4JT.