A dedicated community stalwart has been recognised for more than two decades of service.

Bridport Town Council’s administration officer and mayor’s secretary Linda Bullock has retired after 22 years.

Linda managed a host of annual events for the council, including the Remembrance parade, community fair, the Mayor’s Civic Day and Concert, Heritage Open Days and the ‘Bridport Marquee’ at The Melplash Show.

She also led the town council’s work on a range of one-off events, including; a town assembly that brought together a partnership to think 20 years ahead for the town; The Trafalgar Declaration Despatch, commemorated by the blue plaque at The Bull Hotel; The 750th anniversary of the town charter; The Duchess of Gloucester’s visit to Bridport in 2001; The Freedom Marches; The Newbery Trail; The centenary commemorations and the unveiling of a memorial to US service personnel stationed in Bridport during the Second World War.

Linda was responsible for the project that opened up the now popular Salt House in West Bay for community use.

In 2008 Linda took on the role of mayor’s secretary, managing the mayor’s engagements and ensuring that civic protocol was followed at formal events, including royal visits by HRH Prince Charles, HRH Prince Edward and the Duchess of Gloucester.

Town clerk Will Austin said: “The theme that runs through Linda’s career with us is one of partnership. Linda has befriended so many groups and volunteers on behalf of the town council over the years, and has an extraordinary ability to get them working together enthusiastically. It’s no surprise that she’s referred to by many as the ‘lovely Linda’, and we’ll miss her terribly.

Linda’s last day saw a trail of well-wishers visit in small socially distanced groups. “Of course we’d prefer to have held a big party for her, but the situation with Covid-19 meant it wasn’t possible," added Mr Austin. "I’m hoping we can put that right in the not too distant future."