FOUR parish councillors from Milcombe, near Banbury, are standing down this week after notching up a total of 130 years service.

Ken Wincott is calling it a day after 45 years -- including 25 years as chairman of the council.

John Woolgrove has completed 35 years, while Tony Stickings and David West have clocked up 25 years each.

The four were thanked by villagers at a ceremony on Monday -- just before the village's annual parish meeting. Presenting them with engraved goblets, retiring district councillor for Milcombe, Keith Mitchell, said the service record of the four was unique.

He said: "The parish council and the village will miss everyone of them."

Mr Wincott, 75, was a candidate in Milcombe's first parish council elections in 1956 and has been a council member ever since.

He said the biggest issue faced by the council was a planning application to build a go-kart track in the village four years ago.

Mr Wincott said: "We joined forces with South Newington and Wigginton to fight the proposals."

He added: "I've enjoyed my 45 years, but the time has come to stand down and make way for someone younger."

Mr Woolgrove has lived in Milcombe most of his life.

Cllr Mitchell said: "The saying in Milcombe is -- if you want to know anything about the village, ask John Wool- grove."

Mr Stickings moved to Milcombe 30-years-ago and has been a stalwart of the parish council and the village hall committee.

Mr West has lived in Milcombe all his life.

Also standing down this week was David Hemmings.