A MUCH-loved mum to many has retired. Leigh's senior assistant librarian Joan Montford waved farewell after 28 years service.

Part of her busy role at the town centre library resulted in smiles on the faces of hundreds of children who enjoyed her story telling. Creative Joan even hand-painted favourite children's book characters on the windows.

Last week Joan, of Bolton Road in Atherton, looked on fondly as children wearing hand-made party hats played happily at her feet during her last day.

Joan, who finished last Friday, said: "Being with the children has certainly been an enjoyable part of the job, but I will miss everything about being here. I just love library work in general."

Lynn Thompson from Leigh has been taking her 20-month-old son Alex to library classes since he was just six months old, and now also takes his eight-month-old sister Hannah.

Lynn said: "It gives kids somewhere to go and gets them interested in books and the library. Both Alex and Hannah are members of the Owl Club and we come every week. They love mixing with other children, and Alex particularly likes the colouring activities."

"Joan will be missed, she is very good with the children and very patient."