AS chairman of Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice Bureau, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding service over some 27 years that Barbara Osborne has given West Devon CAB.

It was she who with five volunteers set up the bureau in the town hall, took it through the merger of Okehampton and Tavistock to form the West Devon CAB with a staff now of around 40 personnel. Her pleasant manner and effective management has resulted in the extant Bureau achieving over the 80% mark over the two advice service audits for residents (undertaken every three years), putting it nationally in the top 16%.

The extremely low staff turnover, reminds us that Barbara has taken a highly motivated and happy bureau into the newly formed Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon CAB.

It is sad that Barbara has decided to retire from the service, but she leaves behind a legacy of good practice and engagement that we intend will continue.

I have enjoyed working with Barbara over the last nine months, or so, and we all wish her a long, healthy and very happy retirement. Bless her!

John Silver

Chairman of Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon CAB