MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council will say goodbye to a councillor who has dedicated over 25 years to local government.

Brian Hood has decided to step down from his role as he approaches his 80th birthday.

He said: "I will have done 25 years this year. I always said I do not want to be one of those councillors who don't know when to step down.

"I am fit now but it's a five year term and I do not know what my health will do. I would not want to let the people who voted for me down."

Cllr Hood started in Monmouth District Council in 1987, following an early retirement from a 30 year career with Esso, where he worked his way up from a salesman to senior management.

His job moved him to Monmouthshire, where he lives with his wife Jeanette, and upon leaving the council he is not planning on moving away.

He said: "I believe that Monmouthshire is the best place in the world to live and work. The people are so welcoming and friendly."

He represents the Llanover ward and has served on Monmouthshire County Council since its formation in 1996.

Cllr Hood has participated in many roles within the council and is passionate about the work he did while working with social services.

He was awarded an MBE in 2011 for services to local government and is currently the council's chairman.

Recalling his fondest memories, he said: "Getting my MBE was one of the biggest thrills and being picked to be chairman was a privilege and it gave me a great opportunity to do things that I would never have done.

"I am proud of my contribution in making Monmouthshire County Council such an efficient council."

Upon stepping down, Cllr Hood is looking forward to spending more time with his family, including son Alan and daughter Jaquie, and having more time to run within the Monmouthshire countryside.

He said: "I enjoy running along the rivers and fields. It keeps me fit and healthy. In the past I have been known to go running at lunch time."

His interest in running started after his 40th birthday. He joined Newport Harriers and even achieved third in the UK Veterans Championships 10,000 metres, but his passion is fell racing.

Talking about his decision to step down, he said: "I helped to change things that on the scheme of things can seem quite minor, but to the individual person it is major.

"I wanted to help people on my own patch, I think I achieved that. I shall miss the hassle."