Trafford Council has officially become an age-friendly local authority, supporting the work of all ages.

It has signed up to the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a scheme from the Centre for Ageing Better.

The pledge aims to boost recruitment, retention, and development of older workers.

Cllr Catherine Hynes, deputy leader of the council and executive member for leisure, arts, culture and heritage, said: "I’m delighted that we are stepping up to this challenge.

"By getting involved, we are demonstrating our support for employees of all ages in the workplace and committing to taking at least one action a year to improve the way we recruit, manage and support older workers."

More than 100 employers, including high-profile companies, charities, and public bodies, have already signed up for this pledge.

Trafford is one of the first local authorities in the North West to do so.

Trafford Council employs nearly 100 staff members over the current state pension age of 66.

The average age of employees is 47.

The council has also recruited 35 individuals between the ages of 60 and 81 over the last two financial years.

One of the oldest employees of the council is Heather Morris, a school crossing patrol who turns 85 in September.

She has looked after schoolchildren's safety for the past 54 years, contributing directly to public service and even receiving an MBE for her efforts.

Ms Morris said: "I love working for the Council.

"My supervisors have always trusted me to get on with my job, looking after the children, morning and afternoon.

"It's great news that the Council has become an Age Friendly Employer.

"Older employees have so much to give, in our knowledge and experience.

"I have no plans to retire, I just want to keep going."

Dr Carole Easton, chief executive at the centre for ageing better, said: "The labour market is changing and employers are facing huge challenges with skills and labour shortages and near-record vacancy rates. Workers in their 50s and 60s are key to filling these gaps - now, more than ever, the older workforce is the workforce.

“And yet older workers are continuing to leave the labour market in droves. We want to help businesses understand how they can be attractive employers to older workers and reap the benefits of a multigenerational workforce.”