A WOMAN who started at a care home as a dishwasher and progressed up the career ladder to manager, retired last week.And as she had for the last three decades, Vivien Moore insisted on working on the morning of a leaving party which had been planned by her colleagues at Herondale in Acle.

A WOMAN who started at a care home as a dishwasher and progressed up the career ladder to manager, retired last week.

And as she had for the last three decades, Vivien Moore insisted on working on the morning of a leaving party which had been planned by her colleagues at Herondale in Acle.

Nearly 100 wellwishers saw out her final shift in the job on Friday with music, food, a large cake and a gold watch bought after a collection at the care home.

The close to tears manager, who celebrated her 60th birthday on the same day, said: “I'm overwhelmed. They wouldn't tell me what was planned and it has been absolutely fantastic and everyone has been so kind.

“I'm a people person, and to me people are the most important thing in this place- without them you've got nothing. I've got mixed emotions but it's helped that it's my birthday and I think you know when the time is right.”

The mother-of-three went on to say that she had planned to retire on her birthday for some time, and now she could spend more time with her family and work on their new house in Ormesby.

It was in September 1979, after visiting as a hairdresser, that she decided she wanted to care for others, and she steadily rose up the ranks from washing plates until eventually becoming manager in 1999.

After spending a brief period of time at Ethel Tipple Court in Norwich she returned to Herondale.

She will be succeeded by Paul Rijckmans, previously a development manager at Age Concern Norfolk.

At the special party, 88-year-old Irene Matthews, a frequent visitor to the care home, said: “She's good in every way, and if you want a bit of help she is always there. The day has been wonderful, and the band have even played my favourite song.”

Chairman of Age Concern Norfolk, Alan MacKim has worked closely with Mrs Moore for some time, and of Mrs Moore he said: “She provided the personal touch alongside a huge reserve of energy and attention to detail, and above all dedication in the care and support of other people.”