A WOMAN described as the ’inspiration’ behind a lifeline local charity has stepped down from the organisation to emigrate to New Zealand.

Sue Burgess was South Brent and District Caring’s coordinator from its birth in 2013 until her recent departure for the other side of the world, where she has moved to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren.

Under her guidance, the befriending service has grown to play a key role in the village, with more than 100 clients and an army of dedicated fundraisers helping it continue its work.

SBADC offers a variety of services free, through a network of volunteers and a small team of part-time paid staff. Based in the Old School Community Centre, the charity helps those living in South Brent and the surrounding area including Avonwick, North Huish, Diptford and Rattery Parishes.

It also runs popular lunch clubs and coffee mornings in South Brent.

Chair of trustees Dr James Hill paid tribute to Sue’s dedication. He said: ’Sue has been the inspiration behind South Brent and District Caring, creating a remarkable organisation over the last four years. Her leadership and enthusiasm has resulted in an organisation supporting 100 people with a variety of needs.

’Her local knowledge, having lived in the area her entire life, as well as her humour and intuitive understanding of people’s needs, formed the foundation of her success. She has moved to New Zealand to be with her family and will be greatly missed by everyone she worked with.

’The trustees have appointed Lisa Butcher and Jane Sullivan as coordinator and office manager to pick up the reins from Sue and continue her success into the future.’

Sue herself added: ’For me it is the end of 60 years in South Brent, with so many happy memories: 44 years in amateur dramatics, almost 20 years as trustee of the Old School Community Centre with a couple of breaks, ex-teaching assistant at the primary school, and I set up the first after school club in South Brent.

’I briefly worked at the Post Office from 1974 to 1977, and for a short time at the health centre, and in doing so got to know so many people. But for the last 15 years our daughters have lived in New Zealand and Australia, and with grandchildren there, now is the time to get ourselves over there while we still have the energy.

’We will be living in Wellington with our daughter, her partner and new grandson.’