ONE of East Lancashire's longest-serving magistrates has retired after almost 30 years on the bench.

Colleagues past and present paid tribute to Mrs Annie Higginson, who retired from the Rossendale bench a week before her 70th birthday.

Mrs Higginson, of Burnley Road, Bacup, was first sworn in on July 22, 1968, and chaired the bench for her last court hearing on Wednesday.

A special presentation from the court service will be made to her at the magistrates' Christmas buffet on December 5.

Keith Pilkington, speaking on behalf of all the Rossendale solicitors, paid tribute to her wisdom and experience on family, criminal and juvenile benches. He quoted one of her colleagues who described her as "unbelievably helpful to new magistrates."

He added: "It's sad we are losing your experience but largely because of your help and assistance to newly-appointed colleagues, your knowledge and approach to the job has been passed on."

Mr Pilkington also referred to Mrs Higginson's lifelong support of Burnley FC and added: "It's traditional on these occasions to refer to the fact that you can now devote more time to your chosen hobby or pastime.

"I sincerely ask you not to spend more time at Turf Moor or following the club's fortunes because the events of recent months, particularly the Rotherham disaster, will I am sure lead to dangerously high blood pressure and the real risk of a very short retirement."

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