A WOMAN who made history by becoming the first female to be appointed an executive director of a UK clearing bank has retired.

Mrs Sheila Macdonald, who latterly served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) with the Co-operative Bank, worked with the company for 40 years. She became an executive director with the bank in 1999 and a year later was appointed as COO.

Sheila, who lives in Bury, joined the bank's parent company the CWS in 1965 and transferred to the Co-operative Bank six years later.

Sheila said: "I never had any long held ambition to reach the top but I am a passionate believer in people making the most of the opportunities presented to them.

"Not everyone wants the top job but I think everyone should have the confidence to achieve what they want for themselves. Too many people, both men and women, sit back and fail to fulfil their potential. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career and have made many friends over the years and I would like to wish all my colleagues continued success in the future."

Sheila's retirement plans include working on reducing her golf handicap, spending time at her second home in Spain and, when she's back in the UK, getting more actively involved in committee work at Bury Golf Club. She is hoping to become involved in community projects in the North West.