THE chairman of Tindle Newspapers last week paid tribute to one of the Times' longest serving members of staff at a special lunch at The Bedford Hotel in Tavistock.

Sir Ray Tindle presented Lyn Roberts, the paper's retiring general manager, with a 150-year-old Victorian solid silver tea pot and a bouquet in appreciation of her commitment and loyalty to the company for more than 33 years.

Sir Ray particularly remarked on her dedication to Tindle Newspapers, recalling the occasion when journalists and advertising staff left the paper to join a rival company set up in 1987, in direct opposition to the Times.

'I will never forget that occasion — I still don't really know how you managed it but you brought out that paper in perfect order and on time,' said Sir Ray.

Brian Doel, the company's managing director, thanked Lyn for her hard work on behalf of the newspaper.

'You have played a great part in the success of the Times over the years and without you, things would have been a great deal more difficult,' said Mr Doel. 'Thank you for what you have done for the Times, what you have done for the group and what you have done for me.'

Lyn joined the company as a receptionist when she was 33, and worked her way 'through the ranks', becoming a member of the sales team, before being made advertising manager, general manager and ultimately assistant managing director.

She said she had enjoyed 'the best career you could have', having made many, many friends and received hundreds of cards wishing her well.

Lyn, who retires at the end of September, thanked the Times staff for their support through good times and bad.

'The last four or five years haven't been easy, but we have got through and I am sure we will go from strength to strength — I wish you all the very best,' she said.