A 'one of a kind' 83-year-old woman has retired from service to the police this month - following a 55-year career at a South Cheshire station.

Betty Chesters first joined Cheshire Constabulary as a cleaner in 1967 and has worked at Nantwich Police Station ever since. 

The 83-year-old started at the old station on Welsh Row before moving to Beam Street - renowned for her cooked breakfasts and making tea and toast for officers. 

Betty Chesters had a surprise retirement party from Cheshire Constabulary colleagues (Cheshire Police).

Betty officially retired on Monday (January 2). On Thursday (January 5), her colleagues in Nantwich arranged a surprise party to give her a special send off.

Betty said: "It doesn't feel like it has been that long. I've always worked with a bunch of lovely people and that's what I've really enjoyed.  

"You have to keep going and make sure you stay active. I've loved every minute of it and will miss all the people at the station.

"I'll still pop in to make sure they are keeping it clean and tidy.

"I'll be at a loss now I've retired. I do go on holiday quite a bit so I'll need to plan more trips.

"My last holiday was to Ibiza and I do enjoy cruises too, so I'll need to book my next one."

Betty Chesters started at the old station on Welsh Row before moving to Beam Street - renowned for her cooked breakfasts and making tea and toast for officers (Nantwich Police).

Betty worked all through the pandemic without missing a single day.

She was also handed a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Constabulary's ACE Awards in 2016.

PC Sarah Marson said: "Betty has been the glue at Nantwich which has kept us all together and we will all miss her. She is one of a kind.

"The station is always spotless because everyone respects her so much and looks after everything.

"We all love her to bits and it was great to be able to give her a proper send off."

Chief Constable, Mark Roberts, presented Betty with a Constabulary plaque and glass to mark her retirement.

Beccy Chesters worked at Nantwich Police station in the town for 55 years (Nantwich Police).

He said: "To reach 55 years of service is an incredible achievement and something Betty should be extremely proud of.

"I know all the staff at Nantwich are extremely fond of her, and we wish her all the best for her retirement."