BUCKFASTLEIGH mayor, Cllr Denise Rudgley, is stepping down from the town council.

She announced her withdrawal from the civic scene at Wednesday night's town council meeting.

Yesterday, she told the Advertiser: 'I feel it has been three very difficult years. I've given my all and now there are other things I want to do with my life.

'Before leaving I would like to make sure we are on the path to a Neighbourhood Plan