A BRIERFIELD woman has retired from a Nelson bakery after producing around 20 million pies and pasties in 45 years.

Anne Starkie’s service at Oddie’s was described as “tremendous” by her boss William Oddie.

The dedicated worker who walked to and from Oddie’s every day for more than four decades, clocked up in excess of 40,000 miles during her working life.

William said: “Anne has been a tremendous member of the Oddie’s team during her time here.

“When someone works for the same company for 45 years, it says a lot of good things about the person.

“When she started in the savouries department, it was very hard work, very long hours, up to 50 hours a week.

“In more recent years, technological advances have made it a somewhat lighter job, but Anne worked through the hard years.” Anne started out in the production side of the company on her 15th birthday.

In that time she was intrinsically involved in making assorted meat, cheese and onion, meat and potato pies and a range of pasties and other savouries.

For the past 10-and-a-half years, Anne has worked on the health and hygiene side of the company as part of the cleaning staff.

Speaking after her last day at work, Anne, 60, said: “I have really enjoyed my time with Oddie’s.

“The staff have been good to work with and overall its been a pleasure.

“I think the main reason I have carried on is because I enjoyed the work.

“Now I have retired I plan to do a lot more walking and generally take it easy.

“I might even do a bit of baking!”

William added: “In all the time Anne has worked here, I cannot remember her taking time off apart from holidays.

“She has really gained a reputation for being a reliable, hard-working member of staff.

“The characteristics she has stand out and are much needed in busin-ess.”

As a leaving gift, Anne was presented with a contribution to an upcoming holiday and various gifts from her work colleagues.