THERE were beautiful flowers, yummy food and fond memories for Sheila Smith at her retirement party as conveyancing partner of Worcester law firm QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright .

More than 130 colleagues, friends and clients from the past 40 years joined Mrs Smith in College Hall, King’s School, to celebrate the occasion.

She said: " I have had a very rewarding career and life, despite health issues. Over the years I have helped thousands of people move house and I have met some wonderful people, a lot I enjoy as friends. They have made my life very colourful, fulfilling rewarding and fun."

Cyril Arridge, managing partner at QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright, added: "Sheila was part of our conveyancing department for nearly 11 years and her popularity with both clients and colleagues was always clear to all. I am delighted that our connection with her will continue."

Mrs Smith began her legal career at Kenneth Cooke in Walsall. After qualifying as a legal executive, she qualified as a solicitor in 1987. Having worked for Humfrys & Symonds in Hereford, she moved to Worcester in the early 1990’s and worked at Linton Connell Smith and Peter Scaiff & Co. After five years at Peter Scaiff & Co, Mrs Smith developed breast cancer and gave up work while undergoing treatment for the disease. Once in remission, she decided to set up her own practice simply called Sheila Smith & Co in 1997. The business expanded and in 2004 Sheila Smith & Co joined Parkinson Wright.

Mrs Smith became head of the conveyancing department, which she continued to develop before suffering a subdural haematoma leading to brain surgery in 2007, which resulted in extended leave. However, never one to let adversity hold her back she was back at work eight months later. Mrs Smith has now decided to retire to spend more time with her husband and family, but will continue assisting the firm on a consultancy basis.