WORKING 24 hours a day, seven days a week takes strength, determination and a caring nature – all of which retiring housekeeper Barbara Chislett has in abundance.

But after 13 years of living on the job in one of the flats at Abbeyfield Knutsford Society on Bexton Road, the 65-year-old is bidding a fond farewell.

Barbara, who lives with husband Derek, helps to care for 11 elderly people in sheltered housing in Knutsford, making sure they have their two-course lunch and their two-course tea every day.

The grandmother-of-four officially retired on Friday, July 24 but moved out of her home on Wednesday, July 22.

Barbara said: “We aren’t a care home – we provide sheltered housing with a difference.

“It’s been a different way of life for the past 13 years; it’s not a job but a vocation and I’ve found it so rewarding.

“Moving the furniture out of our flat will be the hardest part.

“It hasn’t seemed real up until now but that will be really difficult.”

Barbara and Derek will be moving to Birkdale near Southport where their three children and their families all live within a few minutes’ walk.

Barbara said: “We have exciting times to look forward to, especially with spending so much time with our children and grandchildren.

“We have our fifth grandchild on the way in the middle of August so we will be busy!”

Barbara is a keen watercolour painter and is hoping to brush up on her skills with her new free time as well as play the piano once she’s bought one for the music room.

Barbara was presented with a picture of Knutsford by Cheshire East Mayor Cllr Hilda Gaddum and Tony Billingham, executive chairman on behalf of Abbeyfield trustees, at the annual summer garden party last week.