A DEDICATED Mothers’ Union leader has retired from her role after more than 20 years.

Doreen Moore, of Barnard Castle, has led the local branch after moving to the market town in the 1980s.

She was presented with flowers by Reverend Canon Alec Harding, during a service at St Mary’s Parish Church, in Barnard Castle, on Sunday, February 12.

The flowers were a token of thanks for her many years of service and were accompanied by a letter of appreciation from the Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler.

Mrs Moore has been a member of Mothers’ Union for 53 years supporting both the local branch and others across the deanery.

She will be continuing as a committee member to support new leader and churchwarden Sandra Sumner.

Rev Harding said: “Mrs Moore has given a faithful service to the local Mothers’ Union for many years but also in other branches across the deanery - she’s a stalwart. It was lovely just to acknowledge that.”