JANE Sacks made a welcome return to Bury Victim Support and Witness Service when she officially opened its new premises.

And she was the most appropriate person to be selected to conduct the ceremony: she was manager of Victim Support in Bury from its inception in 1984 until her retirement two years ago.

Bury Victim Support and Witness Service has taken up residence in new offices in St Mary's Place.

Also present at last Tuesday's event were keynote speakers Glyn Morgan, chief executive officer of Victim Support and Witness Service Greater Manchester; Chief Superintendent Andy Holt, divisional commander of Greater Manchester Police, and Councillor John Smith.

Victim Support and Witness Service was one of the charities Coun Smith raised funds for during his mayoral year which ended in May.

Other guests included the present staff and volunteers, members of the Community Safety Partnership, which helped the charity with funding for the move, and the current mayor, Coun Wilf Davison and his daughter, Louise.

Margaret Holcroft, district manager of Victim Support and Witness Service in Bury, said: "We were delighted that Jane agreed to open the new offices. The organisation has come a long way since it first started in one room with Jane as the sole staff member.

"Where we are today is a tribute to all Jane achieved in building the local service prior to her early retirement. We were also pleased to have our partners from other agencies in Bury present. Their support has been invaluable."

Margaret also paid tribute to the volunteers. She said: "While the service is managed from the office, volunteers deliver it in the community and the court. Without them, we would be unable to support those that have been victims of crime or called to be witnesses at court."

Victim Support and Witness Service provides emotional support and practical assistance to victims and witnesses. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, either in the community or at the court, should contact Margaret on 797 3043.

Volunteers are vetted before being given thorough training to carry out the work. They are given regular supervision and the opportunity to undertake further training as appropriate. Expenses to cover travel, telephone and other costs are re-imbursed.