SHE’s been one of the most familiar faces in Romsey for more than 40 years.

But now Barclays Bank employee Janice Burns is retiring after 42 years in the same branch at the Old Corn Exchange.

An operations specialist, Janice said goodbye to her colleagues on Wednesday and is looking forward to spending more time with her husband John, whom she recently married.

The 59-year-old from Tadburn Gardens, Romsey started working at the branch aged 16 in April 1971, after leaving Priestlands School, now The Romsey School.

Janice hopes to go travelling and visit her pen friend in New Zealand who she started writing to as an 11-year-old. She met her for the first time in 2006 while travelling with her late husband Brian Moody, an engineer who died five years ago.

Janice also intends to spend more time at Mottisfont Abbey, where she met John, the former chief executive of Salisbury District Council, two years ago while they were both working as volunteer room guides.

She said: “The thing I’ll miss the most is the people really, the staff and the customers. I have made some very good friends over the years.

“In the time I’ve been here I’ve done an awful lot of roles and there have been a lot of changes. We used to do a lot more for people actually in the branches.”

Paul Lemon, branch manager, said: “She is well-loved member of staff and knows so many of the customers so we will really miss her local expertise.

“To stay in the same branch for your whole career is so rare these days but she has seen all the changes here whether it is to the building or in staff and managers.

“It’s a sad occasion but it’s good Janice is now moving on to a new part of her life and we would like to thank her for all her hard work.”

Janice celebrated the start of her retirement with a gathering at The Old House at Home in Romsey after her final shift. She also plans to meet with her colleagues for a meal in the New Year.