WHEN Muriel Jobling began her career more than 70 years ago times were very different for women.

The 92-year-old lawyer remembers going to her first Law Society dinner and being herded into another room with the other ladies to protect her from the colourful after dinner speeches.

In fact when she was given her first job, the offer was withdrawn because the building did not even have a ladies loo.

She joined the legal profession just as the first women counsel were starting to get a toe hold.

Before 1919 women were not even able to train to become solicitors.

In her seven decades of work she has forged an amazing career and held many important roles in Government organisations.

But despite her professional success she has always thought of others.

She worked as a volunteer for the Girl Guides for 29 years and became the Commonwealth HQ advisor for the movement.

But it is perhaps her role as a founder of Pendleside Hospice that we should all be most grateful.

Through her work in setting it up she has touched so many lives, and ensured comfort for so many people.