A WOMAN who started her working life as a junior with Mewies Solicitors in Skipton has retired after 43 years with the firm.

Janet Iveson, of Skipton, has worked for the practice continuously, with just a short maternity leave to have her sons, Alan and Neil in the late 1980s.

After Ings Primary School, she went on to Skipton Girls High School where after taking her O Levels in 1976, joined JP Mewies and Co Solicitors as an office junior.

Then, the firm occupied offices above shops in Swadford Street, now occupied by a computer repair shop.

When Janet started in 1976, it was one of the hottest years on record, and she remembers it as very warm in the offices, without modern air conditioning.

There have been many partners and directors over the years, including founding partner, Jack Mewies, and now his son, John Mewies.

Janet remembers when she first started working for the practice, Mr Mewies senior drove to work in his Rolls Royce.

She eventually became assistant cashier to Vera Howley, taking over as cashier when Vera retired, overseeing all the financial transactions at the firm and remaining in the post until her recent retirement.

Anyone who has bought or sold a house using Mewies’ for conveyancing over the years will have had Janet involved on the money side of the purchase.

Mewies is now based at Clifford House on Keighley Road.

"I have enjoyed all of my time at Mewies, things are completely different to 43 years ago, computers and online transactions have taken over," she said.

The directors and work colleagues presented Janet with gifts on her final day at a leaving party to mark her loyal service.

Janet plans to spend more time hill walking with her husband, Geoff, who himself worked for 40 years at Skipton Building Society, and their four grandchildren.