A long-serving staff member at Cranstons has been celebrated on her retirement after 30 years of service to the company.

Sue Carr was presented with her retirement gifts last week by Philip Cranston, chairman of Cranstons, and shop managers, Mark Mallinson and Ian Haworth.

The beloved team member's career at Cranstons has spanned three decades, seeing her work in various departments across the company.

From the production kitchens to the shop floor in the Carlisle shop, Sue has made contributions, helping the company grow and thrive.

Shop manager Mark said: "Everyone’s going to miss Sue, she’s been a loved and respected member of the team throughout the years.

"She brightens everyone’s day, and knows everything there is to know about Cranstons.

"We wish her all the best, and we are looking forward to hearing stories of her retirement."

Sue joined Cranstons back in 1994 when Cranston’s Fisher Street was a small shop with a large commercial kitchen at the back.

Here, she was part of a team producing cooked goods for all of Cranstons' shops.

In 1999, she helped set up a bespoke production unit in Penrith and worked there for five years before returning to the Carlisle shop as an assistant.

Reflecting on her early days at the company, Sue said: "Thinking back to those first few years in Carlisle shop, it was crazy busy producing pies and cooked meats for all the other shops, but I loved it.

"Everyone rolled their sleeves up and worked well together, it didn’t matter if it was me or one of the Cranston boys, we all got it done and had a great laugh while doing it.

"I’ve always taken great pride in all the local produce we create."

She went on to state how she had enjoyed working with so many brilliant people over the years.

Sue shared her excitement about her retirement plans, including spending more time gardening and growing her own vegetables.

Chairman Philip Cranston praised Sue for her huge contribution to the shop over the years.

He said: "It’s been wonderful to work with Sue throughout her career.

"I can’t thank her enough for the commitment and care she’s always shown when making products and serving customers.

"I wish her the very happiest of retirements."

Cranstons Quality Butchers, established in 1914, is a thriving retail network with Food Halls across the Eden Valley and other locations.

In the last five years alone, Cranstons has won over thirty national produce awards, showcasing their commitment to high-quality products and service.