THE former head of the Clackmannan County Council social work unit has passed away following a short period of illness.

Kay Richards, from Hertfordshire, took the position in the Wee County back in 1969, before leaving in 1972.

And though her tenure was only for a few years, she was said to have left a big impact on her co-workers at the time.

In 1964, she graduated as a medical social worker from the University of Edinburgh, before working health and welfare department in the captial.

Five years later, when social work departments were first established, Kay was appointed director of the unit in Clacks – one of only two women to be given that role across Scotland.

She then left to take up the role of senior lecturer at the National Institute for Social Work, and also served as a member on the Royal Commission on the NHS between 1976-1979.

Long-time friend and fellow social worker Katy Pryde, told the Advertiser that Kay had maintained a great fondness for the Wee County, and made frequent return visits after moving on.

Mrs Pryde, from Fishcross, joined the social work department at Clackmannan County Council shortly after Kay left her position, but found she had left a lasting mark in Clacks.

She said: "She was larger than life; very lively. And we became good friends.

"It was also clear that those who worked with her regarded her very highly, not just in a professional sense, but as a person as well.

"And though she was not necessarily in Clackmannanshire for very long, a lot of people still speak very fondly of her.

"She was also a regular visitor here after she went back down south. She always enjoyed coming back to the Wee County; she loved the scenery, and she was always able to meet up with former colleagues and things like that."