A LONG-STANDING trade union official is set to retire after 30-years of service.

Bernie Gallagher is retiring from Bolton Council on March 19, saying farewell to union members and activists on March 11 when Bolton Unison holds its AGM at Bolton Town hall.

Bernie served Bolton Unison as Branch Secretary, she also served on the unions National Executive Committee for 10 years and acted as Vice-President of Unison North West.

She said: "I never went to university, I have never been a careerist, I have always been an active trade unionist. I consider it an honour to have been able to represent union members.

"Although I will be sad to leave, I know it is time for me to move on. I know that Bolton Unison will be in safe hands."

She has been selected as the Labour candidate for the Breightmet area, where she lives, in the local elections on May 7.