AN Alcester woman has retired from her job as a social services manager at Warwickshire County Council after 26 years.

Barbara Walters had her final day on Monday, December 23 and colleagues said farewell at a cake and champagne reception in the office.

Barbara started out as a volunteer for Social Services by running a support group for parents of children with disabilities.

Soon afterwards, she was recruited as a social worker and took a number of posts, including principal social worker, before becoming a team manager in Stratford for many years.

She was more recently promoted to assistant service manager.