A KEEN gardener will now have more time to potter around the garden after taking a well-earned retirement - at the age of 87!

Grace Miles, of Ombersley, near Worcester, turned 87 on the day she finished her cleaning and kitchen job at the Lenchford Inn, Shrawley, near Worcester, where she has worked for 25 years.

Her daughter, Jan Swevels, who has also worked at the pub for 22 years, said she was very proud of her mum, who has three other children, and hoped she would enjoy her retirement.

Mrs Swevels said: "She has always worked hard. She started off working on the land but we pursuaded her to take a job at the pub. But she loves working in her garden and she will spend lots of time there. She isn't one to celebrate but she will have her family round.

"She is not the kind of person you would find sitting in her chair and she decided to give up work while she was still fit and able to enjoy life."

David Taylor, the landlord of the Lenchford Inn, said Mrs Miles would be missed.