A volunteer for a Breckland an South Norfolk-based charity has retired after 26 years of involvement with the scheme.

Jane Mackie, from Hingham, was the longest serving trustee of Home-Start Breckland and South Norfolk. Having reached the age of 80, she decided to step down at the charity's AGM where she was presented with a gift.

'So much has changed since I helped to set up the scheme back in 1986, but the families that we support now still benefit from the same special care and help that Home-start can give,' she said.

From its earliest days at Riversdale, through the years based at Vicarage Road, Thetford and now with a move to Besthorpe just weeks away, the scheme has helped families with children aged under five years to cope with difficult times and to solve problems ranging from loneliness and isolation to mental health and disability issues to healthy eating and lifestyles.

At present, the scheme is being asked to support more families across the whole of south Norfolk than it can match to volunteers.

'Jane's experience as a mum and grandma herself, as a local councillor and as a professional working with young children has been invaluable. She has brought so much to the scheme and will be much missed by staff and trustees,' said Natalie Spurdens, senior co-ordinator of Home-Start Breckland and South Norfolk.

The scheme is currently recruiting new volunteers and is seeking a new trustee. For more information, call 01842 765206.