MAJOR Adrian Coles has retired after many years as a trustee of an unusual south Shropshire folly.

Now a Chelsea Pensioner, Major Coles, has decided to step down as a trustee of Flounders Folly located at the junction of three parishes in the Corvedale.

The folly, a stone 80 feet high listed building, was built by Benjamin Flounders in 1838.

Major Coles played a significant part, along with the trust that purchased the structure for just £1, in raising the funding for the restoration of the landmark.

“I have retired having achieved my ambition of having this important historical Shropshire landmark restored and at my age, 85 years, have sufficient interests,” said Major Coles.

He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Freeman of the Borough of Shrewsbury and Atcham, an Honorary Alderman of Shropshire, and a Member of the Shropshire Society in London.