SIX dedicated probation officers celebrated a total of 150 years in the job this week.

The staff, who work for Lancashire Probation Service, each notched up 25 years in their roles.

And Chief Probation Officer John Crawforth paid tribute to their individual service.

The six have seen major changes since they joined the Probation Service, including national standards for local services and more focus on the interests of victims.

Bryan Robinson now works mainly with groups of offenders undertaking specialist STOP offending programmes, while Walter Waide now works in court services, mostly magistrates' courts.

Gerald Catterall is now based in Preston Prison, where Rob Brotherstone also works.

Lesley Thompson has move from a senior probation role in Preston Prison, to working in training officers.

Janet Robinson works at Preston Crown Courts, providing advice, information and assessment for sentencing.

Chief Probation Officer John Crawforth said: "Probation officers undertake very difficult work which is enormously demanding of skills and expertise.

"I pay tribute to the determination and dedication of all our officers and I am very proud of these six officers who by their long service have demonstrated their commitment to serving the public in Lancashire."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.