To celebrate her retirement councillors laid on a farewell party which was widely attended by the local community as well as friends and family.

Mayor, Cllr Matthew Parker, who presented Val with flowers said at the party: “On behalf of Verwood Town Council, we would like to say a huge thank you to Val for all of her hard work over the last 30 years in service to Verwood and Three Legged Cross.

“Val has been an invaluable resource at the council and directly involved in many events over the years, particularly the Remembrance services.

“We send our best wishes to her for the next adventure.”

Having lost her husband of 46 years in 2021, Val said she was in the need of a new chapter, a new beginning, and a few adventures adding that you never knew when time would run out.

She said, “It’s been an amazing job – wonderful, frustrating, always different and juggling many balls in the air. I’ll miss it, but it’s the right time.”