THE LONG-serving manager of a care centre for people with mental illness has retired after 17 years in the post.

Ken Garbett had been manager of the St Margaret’s Centre, on Margery Lane, Durham, since it opened in February 1992.

He retired last month, aged 66.

A farewell event was attended by Coun Dennis Southwell, the Mayor of Durham, the Rt Revd Mark Bryan, the Bishop of Jarrow, past and present staff, trustees, church and council representatives.

The centre caters for 30 people, employing seven staff. It offers activities including joinery, furniture restoration, crafts, IT, catering and gardening.

It is jointly sponsored by six Durham churches: St Margaret’s, St John’s, St Godric’s, North Road and Elvet Methodists and the United Reformed Church, Waddington Street.

John Woods, chairman of the trustees, said: "The high reputation now enjoyed by the centre is, in no small measure, down to the leadership provided over the years by Ken Garbett.

"The many people who have been assisted by the centre since 1992 owe Ken a debt of gratitude. We wish him well as he enters this new phase in his life."

Fr Ian Hoskins, whose idea it was to found the centre, said: "Ken Garbett had the ability to turn a dream into reality.

"He persevered against many difficulties. The result of that perseverance can be seen in the splendid service St Margaret's Centre now gives to the community."