AFTER nearly two decades of championing the cause to help and support the borough's casualties of crime, Jane Sacks has retired.

Whenever a shoulder to cry on was needed or simply an ear to listen, the mum of five has been ready, willing and able to comfort, console and counsel the victims in their hour of need.

When Jane took over as organiser of the Bury Victim Support Scheme she was the only paid counsellor and co-ordinated the efforts of eight caring volunteers.

That was in 1984 and now the local branch of the national charity organisation boasts an impressive four full-time staff and 45 volunteers.

Victim Support is now also a highly respected and recognised service and performs an integral role in the borough's multi-agency approach to tackling crime and helping the victims of it.

Jane said of the last 17 years: "I have been privileged to be in a service that has helped and counselled so many wonderful people who have, sadly, fallen victim to crime. "Victim Support in Bury has gone from strength to strength and now works closely with other agencies including the police and probation service."

Jane was also responsible for the creation of a witnesses service manager to work alongside those giving evidence in the courts at Bury.

Now, Jane's role as district manager of Bury's Victim Support Service has come to an end following her decision to take early retirement.

At the age of 57, Jane is to spend more time with her husband, David, and her five children and five grandchildren.

She said: "David has just turned 65 and has also retired. We just want to have more time to enjoy ourselves."

Born in Bolton and living in Rossendale, Jane worked as a PA for the senior partner of a law firm before successfully applying for the job as Bury's Victim Support Scheme organiser.

"The job was tailor-made for me. It combined everything I was interested in, law and counselling. I always had a good ear too," said Jane.

"During the last 17 years I have never had a boring day. You meet new people all the time and it is a wonderful feeling to help those whose lives have been affected by crime.

"I will miss contact with them and miss working with those who give their time for free. Hard work by staff and volunteers has earned Victim Support respect and recognition and has extended the service into the wider community."

To mark her retirement, Jane was presented baskets of flowers from staff and volunteers at the Victim Support head office and by the boss of Bury police, Chief Superintendent Phil Hollowood.

He said: "The high quality of service now offered to victims of crime is tribute to Jane's hard work and vision."