By Linzi Watson

Last updated 05:36, Friday, 04 July 2008

THE longest-serving member of staff at Brampton Police Station is taking a well-earned rest after 24 years.

Loved every minute of it: Anne Dixon from Brampton has one last dust of the cells before retiring after 24 years as cleaner at Brampton Police Station. Anne will enter the history books as the station’s longest-serving member of staff

Cleaner Anne Dixon, 70, hung up her mop and bucket last week and said she has enjoyed every minute of her job.

She was surprised with a presentation and gifts from her grateful colleagues.

Mrs Dixon, of St Martin’s Close, Brampton, said: “It was a great surprise and I am really, sorry to go.

“I have had a great time working here and I will miss everyone terribly.

“I have enjoyed every minute of it.”

Mrs Dixon’s 24 years of service assure her of a place in the history books as the longest-serving member of Brampton police staff.

Five years ago she was due to retire but she was persuaded to change her mind much to the relief of officers and staff.

She said: “At 60 I decided to stay on and then I got to 65 and decided to give it another five years.

“But now I am 70 and I think it is time to have a rest,” she added.

To celebrate her last day she was treated to tea and buns and was presented with a specially-commissioned painting of Brampton Police Station.

She added: “I am delighted with my gift and will be putting it up on the wall at home.”

She added that she will keep in touch with her friends by popping into the station.

Inspector Dave Coates paid tribute to Mrs Dixon, saying: “Anne has added her name to the history of Brampton Police Station and she is going to be deeply missed by all those who have worked from the station during her 24 years at Brampton.

“Anne has always been 101 per cent committed to ensuring the station is a nice place to work from and I doubt if she can ever be replaced.

“On behalf of the officers and staff that have worked out of the station over the last 24 years, I would like to thank Anne for all her hard work and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.”