THROUGH your columns may I express my thanks to the people of Bromsgrove who have supported me and my charities during my year as civic head of Bromsgrove District Council.

I have been privileged to visit so many organisations throughout the county and seen the number of voluntary workers who work so hard to look after those less fortunate amongst us.

I have met visitors from our twinned town of Gronau, I have spoken to royalty.

Above all when wearing my chain of office, I have been greeted with smiles and good wishes.

It has been a fascinating year, culminating in a visit to a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

I have now retired from my role as district councillor and can watch from the sidelines the efforts of of our new council to continue to provide the services on behalf of the residents of our town.

John Ruck,

Top Road, Wildmoor, Bromsgrove