Members of staff at North Devon Council have been recognised and celebrated for decades of long service. 

Andy Tapp, Chris Searle, Nick Marsh, Nikki Gordon and Shirley Loder all received long service awards in December for recognition of their loyalty and dedication to the council, having collectively served for more than 150 years.

Shirley Loder was recognised for her 40 years with the council. Shirley initially joined the chief executive's department as a teenager in 1984, where she processed parking tickets. She joined the licensing team four years later and has built up a huge level of expertise as a licensing case officer. 

Andy Tapp has worked for the council for 25 years. Now the organisation's ICT manager, Andy started in 1999 as a systems operator after spending a period of time working for the council through an agency.

Chris Searle has reached 25 years of service in what is his second period of employment with the council. Chris is a valuable member of the waste and recycling team, and has been serving communities in North Devon for more than 40 years in total.

Nick Marsh has spent 25 years with the North Devon Crematorium team as a technician, as well as covering the Chapel Attendant role and being invaluable with the maintenance of the buildings and gardens. He has seen many changes in staff, technology and has seen the site grow and flourish.

Nikki Gordon, the council's head of organisational development, has reached 25 years of service as a dedicated member of the human resources team. Nikki joined the council full-time after a period of agency work, and now oversees human resources and learning and development.

Chief executive of North Devon Council, Ken Miles, said: "It is fantastic to be able to celebrate the long service of these staff members, who each play such a valuable part in the work the council does for North Devon and its communities. I cannot thank them enough for their hard work, loyalty and dedication, and we will ensure all our employees who reach these incredible milestones are able to be given the recognition they deserve."

More information about working for North Devon Council, as well as current vacancies, can be found on the council's jobs and careers page.