AS I step down after six and a half years as leader of the Liberal Democrats on Stratford District Council, including three years as Leader of the Council, I would like to thank all those people who made my job so interesting and challenging.

Officers of the Council - both past and present - have been supportive and fair with their advice.

I would particularly like to thank the former Chief Executive and his Directors, as well as current officers. I have enjoyed working with many colleagues of all political parties - even when we agreed to disagree!

Many councillors have come and gone since I took on the job of leader - but I remember them all.

Thank you in particular to all the Liberal Democrats that I have worked with. It has been a good team and all of them are friends as well as colleagues. It was sad to lose one former colleague recently. Anastasia Wright had been a great support to me.

I have enjoyed making a difference in this district that is my home. I have met so many interesting and kind people outside the council too - and hope to be able to meet many, many, more in my new role.

Thank you to everyone for a remarkable six years - I am now looking forward to the challenge ahead as we move towards the next General Election.

SUSAN JUNED, Fenwick Close, Alcester.