The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has said farewell to two of its members.

Julie James and Martin Buckle joined the park authority in April 2006, and both retire after 10 years as authority members at the end of next month.

Melanie Doel, chairman of the authority said: “Both Julie and Martin have worked tirelessly to serve the people of this park.

They have shown commitment and devotion in everything they have done, taking a lead but at the same time always working away in the background to make sure that they did the very best for all those living in the park, working here and visiting this lovely landscape.”

Mrs James, who championed Health and Wellbeing in the park and was chairman from 2011 to 2014, said: “I was immensely proud to be your chairman and to be the first to embrace our webcasting which has been so successful and helped us to reach out to citizens.

“Ten years on we have topped the planning league, achieved the advance charter in member development, enhanced our reputation, done more with less and many more achievements which have been due to our marvellous talented staff and equally talented and committed members.”

Martin Buckle, whose duties have included deputy chairman of planning, access and rights of way committee and champion for historical and cultural heritage within the park, said it had been a “privilege to work with such committed, capable and enthusiastic people. I’m delighted to know the future of the authority is in such capable hands”.

At the meeting members presented the apir with photographic prints of scenes from within the National Park by local photographer Grant Hyatt.