A passionate St Albans arts champion has retired after three decades in the industry.

Jo Askham has worked on many popular events around the district including Music in the Parks, Larks in the Parks, IOFringe, Out of Sight Out of Mind, and St Albans Giant Monopoly.

After 30 years of hard work, she can now focus on completing her Open University degree.

Leisure and culture manager at St Albans district council, Mark Caldwell, said: “Jo is a very well-known, and much respected, figure on the local arts scene. Her leaving do was attended by many people she has had the pleasure to work with over the years.

“Jo developed St Albans Festival, drawing top name acts such as Paul Young, alongside local artists. In recent times, as manager of the St Albans Arts Team with the council’s contractor 1Life, I know she was very proud of Arts on Prescription supporting people with health concerns.”