A CRAVEN woman who has made a major contribution to the local community has decided to retire from her role at Skipton Building Society where she has worked for almost 44 years.

Business Analyst Jo Smith, from Airton, is taking a well-earned rest from work where she won the Building a Better Society trophy at Skipton’s stellar annual awards ceremony.

Jo, who has a love for skiing, was nominated for the award for her work in the community. In a variety of roles, she has supported Malham Show for over 40 years, helped set up the Malham Safari Trail, contributed to Skipton Building Society’s Miles for Memories fundraising event and is a Young Enterprise Business Advisor, and has been involved with many other Society activities over the years. She is described by her colleagues to be passionate about helping others, developing herself and her colleagues.

Jo said: “Obviously everything has changed since I started back in 1978 when I used to complete a manual ledger with an ink pen to record the daily mortgages. I’ve seen the digital age take over, with constant technical changes keeping the Society at the forefront.

“It has been a great place to work. We have fun whilst working hard, I’ve enjoyed my time and will take away so many happy memories.”

Photo: Jo Smith with Skipton Group CEO David Cutter (left) and Chief Operating Officer Henry Varney.