SENIOR Prestwich councillor Mary D’Albert will be stepping down at the next election in May.

The former deputy Liberal Democrat leader has represented the Holyrood ward for eight years.

Her husband, Vic D’Albert, previously served as a councillor in the same ward for 21 years.

She said: "This has not been an easy decision. It has been an absolute honour to serve as a Prestwich councillor for eight years.

"Both Vic and I are now reaching the age where we are starting to think about retirement and finishing work and this feels like the right time to also move on from being your local councillor.

"It has been great to be able to work with residents, and my fellow Liberal Democrat councillors Tim Pickstone and Steve Wright, to get the best deal we can for our local area.

"Thank you for all your support and friendship which is much appreciated.”

Cllr D’Albert currently serves as chair of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Pickstone praised her "common sense approach" which he said earned her respect from across the political spectrum.

He said: “Mary and Vic D’Albert have given 30 years of service to local residents in Holyrood Ward and the whole of Prestwich.

"It is an amazing contribution to make and I know residents are hugely grateful for what they have achieved.

"Mary will be sorely missed as a councillor."

Taking over as Liberal Democrat candidate for Holyrood Ward will be Cristina Tegolo.

Cristina is originally from Italy, but has lived in Britain since meeting her husband, Tom, while studying together at the University of Manchester 24 years ago.

The couple are both architects living in Prestwich with their two daughters who both attend local schools.