Julia Horn, general manager of Preston and District Chamber of Trade, will retire at the end of March after more than ten years serving the city.

Mrs Horn has been hailed for playing a pivotal role in the Preston's development from a town to a city.

John Asquith, president of the chamber, said: "Julia is irreplaceable."

Mrs Horn started at the chamber in 1995 as an administrator, but her enthusiasm for the job saw her role quickly evolve into that of general manager.

She was actively involved in the creation of town centre management in the late 1990s, which became Preston City Centre Management Company in 2002.

Mrs Horn, 63, who has four grown up children, said: "There comes a time when there are things you need and want to do before it's too late.

"The chamber has done a lot of positive things during my time."

She said the pedestrianisation of Fishergate, which the chamber has long lobbied for, and the £450million Tithebarn regeneration scheme are crucial to the city's future.

"I am confident Tithebarn will come off, but we have to make sure the rest of the city centre is also up to scratch." She plans to spend more time with husband, John, and enyoying her hobbies gardening and investigating family ancestry.

Jim Carr, chief executive of Preston City Council, said: "Julia was very supportive of our city bid and was instrumental in the creation of the city centre management company, she has never be afraid to roll her sleeves up and get stuck in."

Alan Sharp, owner of Isis Jewellers and honorary chairman of the chamber, said: "Julia has been a fantastic ambassador for Preston, she represented the chamber in many ways, always with eloquence and elegance.