A FAMILIAR face is leaving Darlington Town Hall at the end of the month.

Receptionist Catherine Tate, from Merrybent, near Darlington, will retire on Friday, March 25, just before her 65th birthday.

She joined the town hall 27 years ago as a switchboard operator and moved onto the reception desk more than 20 years ago.

She is planning to spend her retirement gardening and travelling with her husband George.

"I have loved the job, that's why I have stayed so long," she said.

"I've just really enjoyed meeting all the different people and I've had a good relationship with the councillors. I've seen quite a few come and go, as well as chief executives."