A FOUNDER member of Ramsbottom Heritage Society has retired.

Mrs Dorothy Moss has chaired her last meeting but insisted she was still going to be involved in the society "behind the scenes".

She said: "I felt it was the right time to retire from the committee which, for 13 years, I served as secretary and for the past four years as chairwoman. I want to spend more time with my husband, David."

The society was founded following an appeal by the then MP Alistair Burt to set up a society to preserve the traditions of the town as it was going through many changes.

"I replied and a few of us got together to form the society," said Mrs Moss. "After three years with the support of the local authority we were given premises in Carr Street. Since then it has been a recording society of the past and present for future generations."

Mrs Moss, who lives in Carr Bank, added: "It has been a great joy to be part of the society which has had visitors from all over the world and is a society which has an important role to play in Ramsbottom."