A KEIGHLEY community stalwart is retiring on Thursday after nearly 18 years with the town’s Salvation Army.

Community manager Chris Bown took-up her role with the High Street church in October 2003, although she’d previously helped as a volunteer at Christmas through her involvement with Rotary.

Over the years she has managed more than 100 volunteers to ensure vulnerable Keighley residents received help and support when they needed it most.

She has also organised an annual Christmas Appeal for families in need, run the church’s emergency food provision and been a key contact for people requiring support.

Last year, she was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the community – recognising her “tireless” work for the Salvation Army and Rotary International.

Chris said she had enjoyed her years with the Salvation Army and had “mixed feelings” about retirement.

“I feel the time is right to retire and I am looking forward to it – but there is also sadness that I won’t be involved any more,” she said.

“I have worked with some great people – paid and volunteers. They are just so committed and generous and I will miss them.

“The support over the years has been truly fantastic and I would like to thank everyone for that.”

Keighley Salvation Army leader Captain Dáfne de Castro e Lemos said Chris embodied the values and ethos of the Salvation Army and had given inspiring service to the community.

And former minister Lieutenant Ben Cotterill said she, supported by husband Les, was dedicated to serving people.