Helston will be looking for a new town clerk over the coming months following the resignation of the current postholder, Ginette Cardew, who has been on long-term sick leave.

Members of the town council were told of Mrs Cardew's decision at a meeting last Thursday.

In a statement issued on Friday, the council said: "Mrs Ginette Cardew has notified the town council that, due to her continued indisposition and to avoid work accumulating in her absence, she has decided with deep regret that it is in the council's interest that she resigns as Helston's town clerk."

Mrs Cardew, who took over as town clerk from Derek Wolfe in August 2000, had previously been administrative assistant to the town council.

Her resignation will become effective in early April and in the meantime Brian Gooding, who returned to his old post on a temporary basis in December, will continue to serve as acting town clerk.

Mr Gooding is due to be away from the office during February, and the post will be advertised on his return.