Warminster’s community librarian is retiring after 40 years service in Wiltshire.

Having started out as a library assistant in Trowbridge library in 1970 and studying to become a librarian in London in 1973, Richard Violet, 59, worked his last day in Wiltshire library services on New Year’s Eve.

After completing his course in London, Mr Violet returned to Wiltshire to work on Devizes mobile library and later in Westbury library.

He was then instrumental in the setting up of the new library in Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon, in 1990, before moving to Warminster library in Horseshoes Walk, in 1993.

Mr Violet, who lives in Bratton, said: “I’ve loved every minute of my time in Warminster. It is a wonderful and responsive community to work with.

“I feel very privileged to work with this community.

“I won’t be short of things to keep me busy in my retirement. I’ve got a very large garden, so I want to a lot of work there. I also want to do some volunteering.”

Reflecting on setting up Bradford on Avon library, Mr Violet said: “It was a wonderful time. I was given the responsibility for new stock so I could buy all the books I was interested in for the library.”

At a surprise presentation at Warminster library on New Year’s Eve, Warminster Mayor councillor Sue Fraser, presented a town plaque to Mr Violet.

Cllr Fraser said: “We only issues these plaques to people who have made a great contribution to the community and Richard has certainly done that. He’s always been a source of information for people and is always happy to help. The library will miss him.”

Warminster Library supervisor, Nicola Harris, added: “The library has become central to life in Warminster and that’s testament to Richard. We are going to try and carry on this good work.”