Ripley and Heanor News assistant editor Carol Gibbs has retired.

News stalwart, Carol, had worked at the News for over 23 years, becoming one of the most respected and trusted news reporters in the Ripley and Heanor area.

Carol started working for the Ripley and Heanor News and the Derbyshire Times when her daughter Katie, who is now 26, was just three years old.

As a local correspondent Carol attended fetes, carnivals and fairs to write district news snippets.

But over the years her career snowballed.

Having previously worked at Boots and Viyella, Carol said: “I never expected to have another career. I just came back for a bit of pin money and to help out.

“I moved onto being a part time reporter, full time reporter, news editor and then assistant editor.”

Over the years Carol has seen many changes.

She said: “I have worked under three editors and alongside many reporters, many of whom were employed after work experience placements.”

A stickler for accuracy, Carol admits her worst bloomer had an elderly lady blushing.

A speech made at Ironville’s old age pensioners club welcomed back a member who had been off ill. However, a typing error replaced “Glad to know she is on the mend”, with “Glad to know she is on the men.”

Editor Amanda Hatfield has known Carol for just eight months but says her reputation went before her and was delighted when she knew they would be working together.

She said: “Few journalists are as dedicated to their newspaper and community as much as Carol and she is an inspiration to all budding young reporters. I have great admiration for her and will miss her contribution to the team.”

Adrian Farmer, the former editor of the Ripley and Heanor News worked with Carol for 17 years. He said: “Originally Carol was the Riddings correspondent and I was a cub reporter.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with her – she brings a real sparkle to the office. I missed her when I went and I’m sure all her colleagues will miss her now.”

John Shawcroft, who edited the Ripley and Heanor News for 20 years before retiring from full-time journalism, said: “In all my time with the paper, I cannot think of anyone who gave greater commitment to the job than Carol.

“She coped cheerfully with all the technical changes during the 1990s and became a fine community reporter who was particularly strong on human interest stories.

“She was an excellent example to young journalists joining the team and a first-class representative of the Ripley and Heanor News.”

To ensure she doesn’t get bored in her retirement, Carol already has a host of activities planned.

She said: “I want to spend more time in Spain, learn to swim and take up driving again. I also have my grandson to dote on.”

Carol lives in Riddings and is married to Graham. They have two children, Jamie and Katie, and one grandchild, Bailey Jenson.