A sacked town clerk is demanding an apology from her former council bosses, who she claims damaged her reputation.

Dr Helena Hodges was appointed clerk designate by Lewes Town Council in October after working at Wycombe District Council, Buckinghamshire, for more than 11 years.

It was planned she would take over from 71-year-old Christopher Walsh, who had been in the post for 30 years.

The two were working together during an official hand-over period when, on December 14, she was asked to attend a meeting at which she was told she was sacked.

The council issued a statement about Dr Hodges on Boxing Day.

It read: "She had good opportunities to experience the pressures and various demands involved in the position ... and the council was able, with the benefit of professional advice from independent consultants, to assess her performance and capabilities in the post.

"Ultimately, it was decided Dr Hodges' employment by the town council should end on December 31, 2001."

Yesterday, Dr Hodges, who has returned to Buckinghamshire, told our reporter: "It is with great regret that I have been put in this position by Lewes Town Council but, following their Press release, I have no alternative but to clear my name.

"I'm going to write to the town council within the next week contesting their spurious allegations and requesting the real reason for my dismissal."

She said: "I have taken legal advice and, should an apology not be forthcoming, my solicitor will be writing to the council.

"I would prefer the situation to be kept low-key as I don't want the residents of Lewes to go through any more turmoil or expenditure.

"But I have no choice but to protect my professional reputation."

The Lib Dem-dominated council has been dogged by controversy in recent years and was last night expected to face a rough ride at a meeting to discuss the appointment of a new town clerk.

The council is recovering from the fallout following the ejection of former mayor Graham Mayhew.

A financial watchdog said there was no evidence of financial irregularities in Mr Mayhew's use of the mayoral budget following failed plans for an art gallery in the town.

The watchdog said the council had made administrative, legal and financial errors during the affair.