A DEDICATED cleaner who helped keep Bolton’s award-winning loos sparkling for almost 27 years is hanging up her mop and bucket.

Krystyna Derbyshire, aged 61, of Topp Way, will retire from Market Place Shopping Centre next Thursday.

Mrs Derbyshire’s job includes cleaning the centre’s toilets which were recently awarded a platinum certificate in the annual Loo of the Year awards.

She started working at the former Market Hall on May 7, 1987, and is now part of a team of 13.

Mrs Derbyshire said: “My husband worked here. He came and told me there was a job vacancy if you can come on Saturday.

“I started that Saturday and I’ve been here ever since. When it was the Market Hall, it was very busy.

“There were quite a few butchers here and there used to be fruit and veg at one time and the cobblers. I’ve known quite a few people from the Market Hall. It was a family atmosphere.”

When husband, Joseph, worked there for two years, his job included clearing all the coins out of the fountain.

Christine Pilkington, who heads the cleaning team, said: “Krystyna has always been punctual.

“She arrives every day, never has any time off sick, she’s very good. She’s always pleasant to work with.”

Mrs Derbyshire is now looking forward to spending more time relaxing and reading.

She said: “I’m ready I think now.

“I will be sad. I’ve got to know all my friends who have worked here. I’m going to miss them.”

And after more than a quarter of a century helping keep the toilets spick and span, what are her top tips for pristine loos?

She said: “Just keep on top of it and keep checking things.”