AN election has been called in a Hampshire town after a long-serving councillor retired due to ill health.

Diane Harrison, is stepping down after spending 18 years at Fareham Borough Council in two different spells.

She has spent the past 11 years representing Fareham West and was member for Titchfield from 1980 to 1987.

Recently she has held the role of chairman of the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Committee.

Executive leader, Sean Woodward, said: “Di has been a wonderful councillor, serving the residents of Fareham with dedication and care for 18 years.

She has always helped her residents with any problems they have brought to her. We will miss her invaluable contribution to the council and boroughwide.

I wish her a long and restful retirement.’’ An election to fill the vacancy will be held for the seat on December 9.

Nominations for candidates can be submitted from November 4 and must be received by the council by noon on Friday November 12.