Coun Ann Raistrick has served the Cleckheaton ward since first being elected for the Liberal Democrats in 1996.

However for family reasons she will be stepping down at May's local elections and said it had been a privilege to serve as a councillor.

Her first major success was securing improvements to Moorend rec.

"I remember a toddler was injured in the playground and when I got elected I was determined to do something about it," she said.

"I came up against all sorts of obstacles and was told there was no money, but then I got £7,000 from the BBA Trust Fund and it was done.

"That gave me a 'never say die' attitude, if you're determined enough to get something done, you'll do it."

Coun Raistrick's proudest success is the skate park at Spen pool.

"I got a letter from a parent saying there was nothing for children to do," she said.

"We got together with the young people to find out what they wanted, looked at funding and with a lot of hard work, we eventually got the skate park.

"I've been so inspired by our young people and my only regret is that we haven't yet got the young people's centre in Cleckheaton. However the plans are well on the way and it will be there in 18 months."

But it is not only young people whom Coun Raistrick has helped. She also helped set up the Scholes Lunch Club and the Friends of Hunsworth and supported the Scholes road safety scheme, helped secure CCTV for Cleckheaton, and established the Neighbourhood Management Group bringing council officers and the police together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Coun Raistrick is a former cabinet member, has served on the Heavy Woollen planning sub-committee and chaired the Spen Valley area committee.

She has also been involved in scrutiny and been heavily involved in community safety and community cohesion.

"I think I have worked well with councillors from all political sides," she said.

"I have enjoyed it – most of the time! It is very hard to say no but you have to be honest with people and sometimes that means saying something they don't agree with, but that's part of the job.

"A gentleman came to my surgery on Saturday and said he could always come and ask me anything and I'd know the answer. And if I didn't know the answer, then I'd know where to go to find it. To me, that's the measure of a decent councillor."

Fellow ward councillor and Lib-Dem leader Coun Kath Pinnock said: "Ann has been an outstanding local councillor and achieved many substantial improvements for our area. She has also helped thousands of residents with individual problems."

Coun Andrew Pinnock added: "Ann has made a huge contribution to Cleckheaton and our villages. She has been a tower of strength in the Liberal Democrat team. We will undoubtedly miss her. She will be a very hard act to follow."

John Lawson has been selected as the Lib-Dem candidate to fight the seat in May.