The leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council has announced he is standing down from his position after 38 years in local government.

Cllr Keith Reynolds said health issues have forced him to make the ‘difficult decision’ to move on before this year’s council elections in May.

He said: ‘I am extremely proud and honoured to have represented the community of Aberbargoed for the last four decades and I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who supported me throughout this time.

‘I have also had the honour of serving as the leader of council for the past three years and I would like to thank my fellow councillors, staff across the authority and our partner organisations for their support too.’

The council’s interim chief executive, Chris Burns, said Cllr Reynolds had been ‘an outstanding public servant’ and ambassador for the authority.