BRANCH manager Christine Bagnall is swapping life behind the counter for time in the garden with her retirement from Kidderminster Post Office. Kidderminster Post Office manager Christine Bagnall who is retiring after 44 years.

Mrs Bagnall, who began her career with the Post Office as a postal and telegraph officer in 1957 on a salary of £4 13s (£4.65p), retires today.

She has been a branch manager at a number of offices in and around the Black Country including Stourbridge and Dudley.

In recognition of her long service, she was presented with a special Lifetime award at a Post Office branch managers conference in April.

She said: "I shall be moving to Burton-on-Trent to be closer to my daughter and looking after my grandson three days a week. I am also a keen gardener and I am looking forward to putting my retirement gift - a garden bench - to good use."