Saying goodbye is never easy, and after more than 25 years in her role, it's sure to be a tear-filled farewell for one key figure.

Chief executive officer of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, Celia MacKenzie, has announced that she will be retiring at the end of March next year.

The devoted worker first joined the team as an accounts executive with the Whitehaven Development Company in 1994, becoming finance director from 2000, and stepping into the role of CEO in 2005.

Celia said: "I have been very fortunate to have joined the Whitehaven Development Company at the very beginning of the regeneration of our stunning Georgian harbour, starting with the installation of the sea-lock, which not only brought a new marina to the West Coast of England, initially with 100 berths and now nearly 400, but is also so successful in preventing flooding of the town.

"Over the years with the Development Company, and then continued by the Commissioners, I have been involved with the refurbishment of the historic quays, which has made the Harbour more available for the public to explore.

"I have particularly enjoyed helping, seeing improvement and investment for existing industries, such as the construction of the Fish Hall, (including ice making system and commercial fridges) for commercial fishing and also see new business’s starting up such as the marina operating company and those in the Boat Repair facility."

Throughout her career, Celia has faced many challenges and exciting tasks, with one nerve-testing feat in particular being a key moment for her.

With the merger of Whitehaven Development Company and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners in 2007 requiring the passage of a Parliamentary Bill, Celia played a major part by appearing in front of the House of Commons and House of Lords Committees.

And while she'll miss the job and all that comes with it, the soon-to-be retiree is looking forward to a well-deserved rest.

"I am delighted to be leaving with the newest WHC led investment for the local community and visitors, The Edge, a coastal activity centre for not just Whitehaven but for Cumbria and its future visitors," she said.

"The work for the Commissioners will never cease, the maintenance and up-keep of the Harbour will always be challenging but being CEO of such an ever-changing business has been genuinely exciting and never dull.

"I have met with such interesting people from such diverse backgrounds, and worked with wonderful colleagues and professionals with so many different skills who have been so dedicated in their support of Whitehaven and what the Commissioners do, which has made my working life a real pleasure."

She added: "I am looking forward to retirement giving me more time to spend on fewer select projects/hobbies, and even learn some new skills – the garden could do with some time spent on it!"

Thanking Celia for her many years of dedicated service, Commissioners Chairman Madonna Adams added that the recruitment process for a replacement has already begun, with the aim of having a new CEO in post by the end of the year.