LOCHORE man Joe Paterson has retired from his role as chairperson of Fife Day Care Services after being with the organisation for the best part of 40 years.

He became involved in the 1980s when it started out as a befriending charity in the Cowdenbeath area.

Joe remained on the committee when it moved to Lochgelly in the 1990s and services were expanded to include day activity groups for older people from Benarty, Lochgelly, Lumphinnans, Cowdenbeath, Hill of Beath, Crossgates and Kelty.

He became chairperson for Fife Day Care Services towards the end of the 1990s and remained in the position until he retired just before Christmas.

A spokesperson told the Times: "Joe has been a passionate, loyal and hard working member of the board, seeing the organisation through many moves and expansion throughout the decades, with a final move in 2018, relocating the full services to a purpose built resource for older people within the care village at Lumphinnans.

"It provides active ageing day centre-based support to people 65 years and over, who for many reasons are no longer able to socially interact without assistance and hands on help.

"Joe is happy that he has been able to be a part of steering Fife Day Care Services to what everyone hopes will be their final home.

"It is now time for Joe to retire from his community work and take a well earned rest and spend more time with his wife and family.

"His loyalty and dedication for so many years to Fife Day Care Services has been greatly appreciated, and although we will miss him, he knows that he will forever be an important part of our wee day care family and he will always be welcome through the door."