TRIBUTES have been paid to June Steele (pictured front centre), who has retired after nearly 20 years with the probation service.

Mrs Steele has been a member of the court team and a familiar figure at Blackburn magistrates court for many years.

Colleagues past and present travelled from all over the county to attend her farewell gathering in Blackburn where senior probation officer Mike Lock praised Mrs Steele's dedicated and diligent approach to her work.

"June is well known as a familiar and friendly face to all court users. She is held in high esteem by all who have worked with her and we will miss her."

Paul Schofield, a senior partner with Farleys solicitors, said Mrs Steele had been a credit to the probation service: "She is a lovely, compassionate lady for whom nothing was too much trouble."

Mrs Steele is a member of Blackburn and Darwen Sports Council and is well known in local netball circles. She and her husband Wally have already enjoyed a holiday in Morocco since her official retirement date and they plan to spend more time travelling.