Ridgeons has wished an employee from its Lowestoft branch a happy retirement following the end of her 11 years of company service.

Jean Barber, 65, of Lowestoft, joined Ridgeons on Cooke Road as a branch administrator in 2004, assisting the sales team and managing stock levels. Ridgeons staff marked Jean’s retirement with a dinner at ‘The Priory Farm Restaurant’ in St. Olaves and a surprise celebratory event on 31 July, her last day with the company.

Chris Gouveia, Ridgeons branch manager at Lowestoft, said: “Jean has been an integral part of the business and particularly the Lowestoft branch. Due to her hard work, Lowestoft has seen a huge reduction in stock losses and her organisational skills are enviable. We wish you a happy retirement, Jean. You will be greatly missed.”

Gordon Ridgeon, director of Ridgeons, said: “It was my pleasure to award Jean with her 10 Years Long Service award last year. She has taken on a number of roles in her time at the Lowestoft branch and clearly has been a valued member of the team.

"I am very pleased to thank Jean for her significant service to the Ridgeons Group and her individual contribution to the company. We all want to wish her a long, well-deserved and happy retirement.”