COLLEAGUES, staff and court users at Blackburn magistrates gathered to pay tribute to former chairman of the bench Margaret Shuttleworth, who is stepping down after 31 years service at a JP.

And Mrs Shuttleworth handed out her own tributes and votes of thanks including one to the press.

Current chairman Neville Cordingley said that throughout her long and distinguished service Mrs Shuttleworth had been determined in everything she did. "I wish we could have had the benefit of her vast experience for a lot longer but she has decided now is the right time to go."

Mr Cordingley highlighted the support Mrs Shuttleworth had been given by her husband, Frank, and wished her a long and happy retirement.

Thanks were expressed by Eddie Harrison, on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service, Michael Blacklidge, on behalf of the defence solicitors, and Neil Lucas, representing court staff.

Mrs Shuttleworth said she could not thank by name all the people she had enjoyed working with over the years because when she started to compile the list it read like the phone book.

For the future, she said she hoped the court would be allowed to use some of the facilities in the vacant, adjoining police station.

"I also hope that everyone learns to work together and that other people learn to value what we have here as I value it," said Mrs Shuttleworth.