A features writer on a Midlands weekly newspaper has celebrated 30 years with the title.

Gay Bolton started working at the Derbyshire Times in 1983 and has remained there ever since, becoming known as the ‘mother’ of the newsroom.

She started at the paper as a senior reporter before being promoted to become a sub-editor and entertainments editor.

Gay now works as a features writer for the Chesterfield-based weekly, covering its Grassroots section and leisure.

Her 30 years at the title were marked with a surprise celebration by her colleagues earlier this month, at which she was presented with a framed front page.

She said: “When I started I was one of the youngest in the editorial office – now I’m the oldest!

“Highlights have included interviewing Tony Benn on the night he was elected MP for Chesterfield, setting up the Band of the Year competition and continually making new contacts. I work with a wonderful ‘family’ at the DT.”

Gay Bolton is presented with a framed front page by her Derbyshire Times colleagues to mark her 30 years at the title.