EUNICE Moon admits she did not realise what she was letting herself in for when she applied for a job in a solicitor's office.

The lawyer she went to work for turned out to be Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield. His first question to her was: "Does death bother you?''

From 1986 until her retirement last night, Mrs Moon has been clerk to Teesside's coroner.

Mr Sheffield said in tribute last night: "The role of coroner's clerk was in its infancy and without precedent and example to follow.

"She found out what was needed and developed the role to the extent she became absolutely essential to the coroner's service.

"Her knowledge is immense and her memory amazing. She has coped with changes in jurisdiction, changes in the location of the office, changes in coroner's law and practice, a considerable increase in work loads - and witch hunts - and taken it in her stride,'' he said referring to calls for his resignation and the investigation ordered into his handling of a backlog in inquests, by the Lord Chancellor.

Mrs Moon, from Marske, said: "I have enjoyed the work. Mr Sheffield is marvellous. He is a proper gentleman and treats all with respect.

"I have no complaints. I have enjoyed my work, though at times it has been stressful, particularly when dealing with the deaths of children.

"I did not realise how many people I had met, and I will miss it.''

Next month, she will marry Matthew Hind, and she is expecting to become a grandmother for the first time in January.