Kathleen Corby, political editor of the Essex Chronicle, has retired.

She has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in journalism, including 24 years at the Chronicle.

Her first job was on the Chelmsford Weekly News in the 1950s, and she later went on to Fleet Street where she became the youngest journalist since Charles Dickens to report on parliament.

After taking a break to have four children, Kathleen resumed her career when she joined the Essex Chronicle in 1978.

And although now officially retiring, Kathleen still plans to report for the Chronicle on a part-time freelance basis.

To mark her retirement a surprise presentation was made during a full meeting of Essex County Council, and there was also a party at the Chronicle's offices.

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