A MAN who rallied the county against school closures is stepping down as Mayor of Bromyard.

Councillor Jonathan Lester was given a warm send-off on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at St Peter’s Church, his last major engagement.

His two-year tenure ends on May 18, when councillors will vote on a replacement at a meeting.

Coun Lester took the position in May 2007 and was re-elected. His rallies against the draft school review won admirers, while he oversaw the purchase of the Rowberry Street office complex. He presented a £1,230 cheque to St Michael’s Hospice.