A WELL known librarian in Leigh has retired.

Leigh's senior assistant librarian Joan Montford has said farewell after 28 years service.

Part of her busy role at the town centre library involved telling stories to children.

She even hand-painted her favourite children's book characters on the windows.

Mrs Montford, of Bolton Road, Atherton said: "Being with the children has certainly been an enjoyable part of the job, but I will miss everything about being here. I just love library work."

Lynn Thompson from Leigh has been taking her 20-month-old son Alex to library classes since he was just six months old, and now also takes his eight-month-old sister Hannah.

She said: "It gives children somewhere to go and gets them interested in books. Both Alex and Hannah are members of the Owl Club. Joan will be missed, she is very good with the children."