LEASOWES Park champion Marianne Diller has decided to step down as chairman of the friends group after 30 years involvement.

Marianne, who was awarded a BEM award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List last year, has spent the past 20 of those years leading the group, but now feels she cannot give the time and effort required.

Treasurer John Diller and secretary Eva Field also resigned from the committee at the same time following the group’s recent AGM.

Marianne admitted: “I’m now in my 80s and feel it's time for someone younger to take over.

“I still love the park. All green space is so precious to us and we need people to promote and protect them.”

David Chaffey now takes over as chairman, with Michael Kimmings-Field becoming secretary. The friends are hoping to appoint a new treasurer soon.

Marianne added: “It’s a shame that all three key officers decided to go at the same time, but it’s time for a change.

“I have no qualms that the new people will do an excellent job because we have such a strong group of people involved.

“We are hoping to create a visitor centre and we’ve just had a set of four postcards featuring Leasowes produced which we will be selling at different events.”

Anyone wanting to buy the postcards should contact Marianne on 0121 422 7585.