A FORMER Mayoress of Worcester is certainly not hanging up her hat, but is preparing for her next challenge after spending 14 years as a volunteer in the Red Cross.

Muriel Lewis, the Faithful City's first lady in 1966-67 as the wife of Mayor Fred Lewis, left the St John's shop for the last time this week after receiving a grand send off by colleagues and customers.

But according to shop manager, Barbara Moore, the 85-year-old, of Sherwood Lane, Lower Wick, would not be putting her feet up just yet.

"She is already out looking for another job," she said.

"She is very, very active."

She described Muriel, who worked with her for 12 years, as a kind person who always had a smile on her face.

"Even through her husband's death she was lovely to everyone," she said.

"I'd say she wasn't just a nice woman, but a nice lady."

Mrs Lewis has two daughters, a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter. Her husband, a well-known businessman, died in 1999.