After decades in local government, Keith Little has has enjoyed the highs and endured the lows of public office.

The man who held the highways and transport portfolio for Cumbria County Council for 10 years, had to navigate the council through disasters such as Storm Desmond in 2015, problems with rail services and more.

But the brightest highlight, he says, was the reopening of the Pooley Bridge bridge.

The structure was washed away in 2015’s Storm Desmond, leaving the village cut off. A temporary footbridge was installed but the newbridge was not reopened until 2020.

“There are so many people to thank including the community for their patience, the architects and the builders. The new bridge has won several well0deserved awards.”

He said another fantastic project would be the £20million transformation of Carlisle’s railway station.

“Then council leader Stewart Young and MP John Stevenson were responsible for getting the money from the Borderlands fund, and there was agreement across the border. It is going to be a great asset to the city but also to British Rail.”

Keith claims to have worked or represented the county council since 1974 - first as a member of the fire service and latterly as a councillor.

He joined Maryport Town Council in the early 80s and is a former mayor of the town.

He joined the county council in 2004, three years after retiring from the fire service.

Portfolio holders in the county held on to their responsibilities for four years at a time. He would have had highways and transport for eight years but was asked to serve another two years prior to the local government reformation which saw the establishment of the new Cumberland Council.

He said deciding to retire from local government had not been an easy decision and h admitted that he missed it at first.

He had a good rapport with the workers and, if someone came with a problem, he could call someone and get the work done.

With three children, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren all living nearby, he can keep himself busy baby sitting being on call as the family handyman.