A FOND farewell has been given to Dorothy Harte by her colleagues at the Petersfield Counselling Service.

An experienced counsellor and teacher of counselling, she is retiring after 23 years as supervisor.

Her role has involved the supporting of the service’s counsellors, regularly providing training days for the team.

Dorothy, who is moving from the area to be nearer her family, was presented with flowers, theatre tokens and a book recording the appreciation of those she has worked with, past and present.

They say she will be much missed for her wisdom and experience, both by the team and the board of trustees.

The Petersfield Counselling Service is a small local charity, founded 30 years ago on the initiative of local doctors and churches to provide affordable counselling to adults.

More than 1,200 hours of counselling is given each year, with most clients referred by GPs.

Some of the issues addressed are loneliness, anxiety, depression, redundancy or job worries, relationships, loss and bereavement, and stress.