A COMMUNITY worker has retired after playing a key role in local life for 35 years.

More than 60 community group representatives and members of the Durham County Council's education in the community department gathered at Shakespeare Hall, Durham, to say goodbye to Durham Community Association secretary David Lindley.

He was first employed by the association in 1967 as warden and secretary, and became part of Durham County Council's adult and community learning team in 1985.

Except for two years when he was seconded to King James I Community Centre, Mr Lindley was based at Shakespeare Hall.

During his time there, the Community Association went from strength to strength, and he improved its amenities to make it a thriving venue with facilities including a chair lift, public address system and a refurbished kitchen.

He was instrumental in training youth workers for the mid-Durham area for many years, and his last project was a highly-successful jubilee carousel of activities in June, at which participants helped quilting groups to create a jubilee quilt made up of more than 250 photographs.

The quilt was shown for the first time at Mr Lindley's leaving event, and will be displayed permanently at Shakespeare Hall.

Ron Stitt, president of the association, presented Mr Lindley with a small gift and a cheque, and his wife, Mavis, with a bouquet.

The Durham Cygnets presented him with a picture.