A "GREAT lady" who puts a song in the hearts of York's elderly people is set to retire from her post as a support worker.

Keen singer Hilary Nicholson, who works at Cherry Tree House Community Unit for the Elderly, at Tang Hall, retires next week, but has already celebrated her departure with a slap-up party on the River Ouse.

Administrator Carol Gulliver said the unit would miss Hilary, whom she described as "a marvellous, positive influence".

"She is a great lady," she added.

"She is the one who loves to put a record on and sing for the elderly people here; she really makes them feel good.

"She sings anything, show tunes, old songs from the war, any old tune you can name - she's just brilliant.

"It takes a special kind of person to be able to do that, and she certainly is that. She makes the place a real music hall."

Hilary has served for 25 years in the York NHS, and has worked at Cherry Tree House since its opening 11 years ago.

Updated: 11:06 Friday, August 31, 2001