A COUNCIL worker has celebrated her retirement by demolishing her workplace.

Christine Thwaite has been a warden at Sycamore Close sheltered housing complex in Bainbridge, near Hawes, for 25 years.

However, the centre has been replaced by an extra care scheme and Mrs Thwaite is retiring.

She said: "I was the first relief warden when the scheme opened all those years ago and I've had a wonderful time here.

"Now it's time for the original building to be taken down and replaced with more modern accommodation.

"I've obviously got mixed feelings about seeing the place like this.

"But I've only got to look next door, to the lovely new building where the residents have settled in so well, to see that, although it's the end of one era, it's also the beginning of a new one."

The extra care scheme is being built by Richmondshire District Council, in partnership with the county council and Housing 21.