THE woman who has got electors to polling stations across the Ribble Valley for the past 11 years has decided to retire.

Kathleen Law, elections and licensing officer for Ribble Valley Borough Council, is taking early retirement because of osteoarthritis in her hip and will finish on June 4.

She is looking forward to spending time with her husband, Barry, gardening and enjoying her free time.

Mrs Law, 58, of Fairfield Close, Clitheroe, joined the borough council in November 1974.

Her first role involved typing the minutes and agendas for the committee meetings.

After three years, she moved to the tourist information service and acted as an "ambassador for the Ribble Valley" for nine years.

Mrs Law then spent a short time in central filing before taking responsibility for licensing and election matters.

She says that she has seen many changes during her 25-year career, which included the installation of computers to replace the handwritten electoral register.

"I've witnessed so many changes and I have enjoyed my varying work.

"I could write a book about everything I've experienced, but I think it would be censored," she joked.

Mrs Law, who has lived in Clitheroe for more than 30 years, is looking forward to holidaying with her husband later in the year and seeing her son, David.

She will also continue to organise events for Scout groups across East Lancashire.