A grandmother who spent more than a decade working in sheltered accomodation was given a tearful send off at her retirement party.

Colleen Harmer, the scheme manager of jLiving’s Lionel Leighton Court and Wolfson Court, in Golders Green, has spent 16 years in her job.

She and her husband John have been an “integral” part of the organisation, sitting on its committees.

The couple have also organised quiz nights and other social events, including a party of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

The lives of Colleen and John’s children, Jonathan and Samantha, have also been shaped by jLiving and tenants have seen them grow from teenagers into the adults and parents.

Jack Mindel, 99, has lived at Lionel Leighton Court for five years and made a speech at Colleen’s party. He said: “I think Colleen deserves an award from the Queen for her caring.”