A DISTRICT councillor has resigned his position to seek pastures new and embark upon fresh challenges.

Conservative councillor Glyn Pritchard, who represented Chipping Ongar, Greensted and Marden Ash, stepped down after moving from Ongar to Thaxted, explaining the role should be fulfilled by someone living in the area.

Mr Pritchard,51, told the Epping Forest Guardian: "I have had three years as a councillor and it has been really good fun.

"I have learned a lot and it has been great to help the several people that I have been able to help with several problems. It's a pity to give it up but I have got to do it.

"I feel it's better to hand over to someone that is local - that is a better way to represent people."