SENIOR probation officer at Evesham, Chris Pearson has taken early retirement and tributes were paid to her when colleagues made presentations to her recently.

Mrs Pearson was described by Pam Pimpernel as: "The epitomy of all that a probation officer should be," and she added: "Your influence is going to live on."

Mrs Pimpernel said the probation service was a second career for Mrs Pearson who started in the teaching profession in the 1960s and joined the probation service some 20 years later in Worcestershire where early on her superiors commented on her highest professional standards, practicality, caring and commitment.

During a spell at Long Lartin Prison, she said, Mrs Pearson was complimented particularly for her hard work with "lifers" and her efforts to keep men and their families together.

Mrs Pimpernel said: "Since her move to Evesham the probation service under her leadership has always done a very good job."

Mrs Pearson said she had enjoyed her work with the probation service and was sad to be going.

"Our team in Evesham is comprised of people who care for each other and look after each other, and that reaches out further into the community with the people we work with," she said.