THE curtain has come down on a Darlington theatre worker's career after 27 years.

Director's secretary Betty McFall, 65, retired from her job at Darlington Civic Theatre yesterday.

Her family has long connections with the theatre, because her grandparents owned the Regent Fish Restaurant, converted to create part of theatre.

"What is now the director's office used to be her family's living room.

Mrs McFall has met many celebrities, including comedian Ken Dodd, dancer Dame Margot Fonteyn and singer Dame Vera Lynn.

She said: "I used to welcome the performers to the theatre, so it was often just hello and goodbye, but it was really nice when they stopped to talk. I am looking forward to my retirement, but of course it is tinged with sadness."

Mrs McFall has not made any plans for her retirement, but she is keen on keep fit.