AFTER 40 years service, Mike Hodkinson has stepped down from a job which made him the person everyone loves to hate.

And if the fact that he was Pendle's top tax man wasn't bad enough, Mike is also a keen Blackburn Rovers fan!

He retired as Pendle District Inspector this week.

Colleagues at the Inland Revenue offices in Phoenix Chambers, Nelson, gathered for an informal buffet lunch and presentation to bid him farewell.

Mike, of Great Harwood, was presented with gifts - among them a football signed by the Rovers squad, including Alan Shearer.

He was also given a crystal rosebowl and an electronic personal organiser.

Mike joined the Revenue is 1956 and rose through the ranks to become one of the most senior tax inspectors in the North West.

As officer-in-charge he was responsible for the day-to-day running of the district.

He dealt with the tax affairs of more than 40,000 people in Pendle and parts of Padiham.

He had been based in the Pendle office for the past five years.

Before that he was in charge of operations in Burnley, Accrington, Blackburn and Wigan.

Staff plan to hold a formal lunch and presentation at the Foxfields Hotel, Billington, on August 16.

Mike's place will be taken by Richard White, of Reedley, who is currently a District Inspector at Preston.

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