AFTER more than two decades with Vale Royal Borough Council, community care manager, Rita Hollens, has retired from the sheltered housing service

The 60-year-old has made many improvements to the service for the 2,000 clients in the borough and the council's 10 sheltered schemes over the years.

Her career with the Winsford-based council first started in the welfare section at Northwich.

In 1985 Rita was appointed to introduce the new sheltered housing service which has developed over the past 14 years into a vital and respected service for the elderly.

She said: "Councillors and the director of community services, Bob Floyd, have always been extremely keen and supportive to ensure that the services provided by the council for older people have always been improved whenever possible."

Rita enjoyed a party organised for her at Queen Elizabeth House, Northwich, when more than 100 colleagues, members of staff, peers and other Cheshire authorities joined the celebration.

Prior to her retirement Rita was also invited to attend a meeting of Vale Royal Borough Council where tributes were paid to her service and the Vale Royal Mayor, Clr Keith Musgrave, presented her with an inscribed decanter.

Rita says her job has been "24 hours a day, seven days a week" and that she is looking forward to being able to again spend time doing art and craft work that she used to enjoy including sewing, oil painting and decoupage.

She has five grandchildren and is looking forward to spending more time with them.

Her interests also include visits to the theatre and she has a season ticket for the Royal Exchange.

But her main aim this year is to visit Singapore where her son now lives and works.

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