A CHIROPODIST has announced she is set to retire after more than 30 years working in Stourport.

Paula Jones, aged 68, has been running her chiropody practice, which is the only one in the town, since July 1993.

Her working life started in a chemist shop as a dispensing technician obtaining her City and Guilds Dispensing Technician Certificate.

She retrained at the age of 21 on a Government TOPS (Training Opportunity Scheme) to do shorthand and typing.

She worked in Engineering Industries until she went to work for the NHS, initially as a Secretary to the District Education and Training Officer, where she went to night school for a BTec in Business Studies.

Whilst studying Paula obtained a promotion to being the personal assistant to the district chiropodist in Sandwell.

Paula Jones said it will be a sad day when she leaves at the end of the yearPaula Jones said it will be a sad day when she leaves at the end of the year (Image: Paula Jones)

Seeing the chiropodist working inspired her to retrain as a mature student at The Birmingham School of Chiropody - a three-year course, which ended in a position at a Charity Chiropody Clinic in Birmingham.

During this time, Paula moved from West Bromwich to Bridgnorth. After studying for three years, she left to take up her own place in New Street, Stourport.

She said: "I have seen many changes in Stourport on Severn, the indoor markets, both gone, the banks all gone, except TSB, Woolworths and Grinnalls gone. All change, except for my Chiropody Practice.

"I have enjoyed my time here, Stourport is a friendly holiday environment and my walk "round the block” includes the canal, river and basin.

"It will be a sad day when I leave as my patients have become my family life and I would like to thank everyone for the last thirty-one and a half years".

The practice will continue with Mr James Allen. Appointments can be made now for January onwards with James by calling 01299 878058.