City of York Council will be paying tribute to a long-serving council care worker on Friday (December 14, 2001) when she retires after more than a quarter of a century in the job.

Mary Blacker, who joined the care service with North Yorkshire County Council in April 1975 and transferred to the new City of York Council in 1996, is retiring after 26 years' service as a home care assistant. She has spent most of her time at the city's Gale Farm Court sheltered housing complex in Acomb.

Mary will be getting a send off from senior council social services bosses, colleagues, friends and customers on Friday in a special presentation at Gale Farm Court.

Maggie Browne, the council's community care service manager, said, "Mary has been a conscientious, hard working and experienced member of the home care team who is highly respected in the service.

"She will be really missed by both the people she visited in her job and by her colleagues. Mary has made such a difference to so many people and touched the lives of hundreds of people who needed and received her caring support."

Roger Grey, the council's assistant community services director, said, Mary's contribution had underlined the vital role of home carers.

Paying tribute to Mary's long service and dedication, he said, "The council is grateful for the work Mary has contributed over the past 26 years. She and her colleague home carers are key people supporting and helping elderly and frail people to live in their own homes.

"We know home carers are important because people who receive their support tell us so. Mary's caring approach will be missed and we wish her all the best in her retirement."

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