THE head of a Stanmore charity “respected at the highest levels of Government” announced her retirement today.

Norma Brier, chief executive of Norwood, in The Broadway, has given almost two decades of her life to the organisation, which helps thousands of people with learning disabilities.

She will remain in the post until a successor is appointed.

She said: “It has been a privilege and an honour to lead Norwood over the past 22 years. We have been able to support thousands of vulnerable children, adults and families.

“Words cannot describe my gratitude to the thousands of staff, donors, volunteers and above all the people who use our services who have enabled me to play my role in ensuring that Norwood can provide such valuable support to so many.”

When she first started as executive director of Ravenswood, an early incarnation of the charity, in 1989 it had a budget of just £1m.

Within five years she had increased this to £7m and saw it through a merger with Norwood Child Care in 1996, creating the joint organisation Norwood as it is today.

The voluntary group now helps 7,000 vulnerable children and adults, has 1,200 staff, 800 volunteers and an annual budget of £32m.

Under Ms Brier's leadership Norwood raised a total of £350m in grants and donations.

She started her career as a social worker and lecturer in sociology and fought to get Jewish adults with learning difficulties out of long-stay institutions and into residential homes.

Bernie Myers, Norwood’s chairman, said: “It is a tribute to Norma’s vision and dedication that Norwood has been able to provide the best possible social care for our community’s most vulnerable children and adults.

“We thank her sincerely for her tireless and incredible efforts and I am delighted that Norma will continue to be involved with Norwood as an Honorary Ambassador.”

David Ereira, chairman of Norwood’s Advisory Council, said: “Norma is respected at the highest levels of Government for her deep and profound understanding of learning disabilities.

“Undoubtedly, she has shaped a world-class organisation to serve our community’s multiple social welfare needs.”