Reg Bowyer, 91, is oldest Shropshire politician

Most people when they reach the age of 92 would be content to put their feet up and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

But one extraordinary great-grandfather from Shropshire says he is happy to carry on serving his community in his role as a respected and knowledgeable parish councillor.

Reg Bowyer, who will be 92 on August 17, has served as a councillor for Gobowen, near Oswestry, for an amazing 53 years.

The war veteran is believed to be Shropshire's oldest current councillor as well as the county's longest-serving councillor.

And although the St Martins pensioner has never been officially told if he is the county's most dedicated councillor, he doubts 'there will be anyone disputing it'.

Remarkably Mr Bowyer says he has still not made up his mind whether he will stand down from the council at next year's parish elections. He said: "I will decide nearer the time. I still enjoy it.

"I believe I am the county's oldest councillor. If I am not it would be an interesting story to see who is. I don't think there will be anyone disputing it. I started 53 years ago and never stopped.

"I joined what was Whittington Parish Council in 1959 when it used to serve Gobowen. Eventually Gobowen got its own parish council with Selattyn and I have been on it ever since."

As well as 53 years as a local politician, Mr Bowyer, a widower with one surviving daughter, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, has been a school governor of five schools.

He has been mayor of the former Oswestry Borough Council and has been given the freedom of the borough.

In addition, he has been president of Oswestry Cottage Hospital League of Friends, a member of Shropshire Yeomanry and the Territorial Army and also saw war service in Italy at Monte Cassino.

During his time as a Conservative councillor Mr Bowyer has played a key role in various community developments, including supporting moves to give Infantry Junior Leaders, who attended Park Hall army camp, the freedom of Whittington parish.

High points have included two trips to Buckingham Palace where he met the Queen and attending the opening of Telford Ice Rink while he was Oswestry borough mayor. The opening was conducted by Princess Anne.

Mr Bowyer also wrote a book, called The Long Shadow, about his experiences during and after the war.

He says there have been no particular low points, although admits 'not everything went my way during council meetings'.

His remarkable service was recognised when North Shropshire MP and cabinet minister Owen Paterson presented a keepsake ornament to him at a tribute event in Oswestry, which was attended by fellow councillors and friends and relatives.

The dedicated public servant said: "It is very humbling to receive such an honour, especially from friends."

Mr Bowyer and his late wife Heather kept the Boars Head pub in Bishop's Castle after the Second World War and then moved on to the Crown at Montgomery.

He then worked at Monsanto at Cefn Mawr before moving to Pilkington glass at Wrexham before he retired.

But he says he may not be retiring yet from his public service.

He said: "I have always been a bit nosey to see what's going on.

"I used to hate missing meetings in case they agreed to put a bench in the wrong place or something.

"The elections are in April so I will decide nearer the time whether to carry on."

Shropshire Council speaker David Lloyd, who is Mr Bowyer's brother-in-law, said: "We certainly believe he is the oldest councillor in the county, I have never heard of anyone older. What is just as remarkable is his service has been unbroken. I know of many elder Shropshire statesman who have served for years but most have taken a term or two off before returning to it.

"Reg actually encouraged me to get involved in local politics and he almost serves as a reference book for the parish council in Gobowen."

Mr Paterson said: "Reg raises a wonderful example of someone having spent five years in Europe serving the country came back and decided to serve his community ever since."