Simon Lloyd MBE is stepping down from his post as Saffron Walden’s town clerk – but is “very sad” to part with a town he has devotedly served for three and a half years.

Mr Lloyd will move to Surrey mid-November to take up a combined services and army sports role with the military, which he says combines two of his great passions.

But he won’t forget his time as clerk, through which he has worked with a succession of mayors, most recently mayor Sandra Eden and her husband before her, councillor Keith Eden.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have served the town to the very best of my ability,” he said. “It was a big change for me – I’d been in the military for 37 years before that.”

“I’ve been blessed here with a fabulous bunch of officers, who made my transition into the local government area much easier,” he said, referring to those who make everything run smoothly from behind the scenes, such as financial officer Shirley Golding and Elaine Bayne’s, the mayor’s secretary.

“We’ve had some brilliant achievements, such as the heritage lottery, the town team, but there have been huge challenges facing the town too, such as the housing developments.

“It’s been extremely challenging – a hard graft. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my officers.

“They are those looking after the county, running markets, showing phenomenal commitment, and they usually only get told when it’s not going well.”

“People love living here, it’s a great town to be in. My new role will suit me well, but my main regret is leaving Saffron Walden, which I am very sad to do.”

Mayor Eden added: “Simon has worked diligently for the council, and it’s with regret we have accepted his resignation.”