TRIBUTES have been paid to four councillors for their "loyal service" to St Helens.

Labour councillors Gareth Cross (Bold), Jeff Fletcher (Moss Bank), Terry Shields (Parr) and Lynn Glover (Windle) will not contest their seats in the upcoming local elections in May.

Between them they have 45 years of service on the council and have all served as cabinet members and sat on various committees.

Newly-appointed council leader Derek Long paid tribute to the four councillors at full council.

Cllr Long said the councillors have worked hard “unstintingly” for their communities and the wider town.

The council leader said the councillors have had to make some “very tough decisions” but did so with the commitment of the town at their hearts.

Cllr Long said: “On behalf of the council and on behalf of the Labour group, I would like to thank all four councillors for their loyal service that they have given to the council in their years in office.

“Good luck and good health in the future. Thank you so much.”

Cllr Shields was first elected in 1982 and has held a number of cabinet positions, including children and young people’s services and more recently, green, smart and sustainable borough.

He was also elected mayor of St Helens in 2010.

Cllr Shields said: “I’ve been a councillor for many, many years and it’s all been very, very memorable indeed.

“I would like to thank everybody in the chamber for their support and help and the advice.

“I also want to thank the best officers in the North West because without them this council wouldn’t be where they are at this moment in time.”