HAMPSHIRE has said goodbye to its long-serving Lord-Lieutenant Dame Mary Fagan.

A special reception was held to mark her 20 years service, including a Beating the Retreat by the Band of the Scots Guards.

The invitation-only event was attended by 341 people, from charity representatives and military personnel to the Mayors of Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh, Test Valley, Fareham and Gosport.

The band gave an impressive performance in The Courtyard, which Dame Mary later described as ‘the best she has ever seen’.

She also thanked guests for a fantastic evening, before making them roar with laughter at her jokes and anecdotes.

Dame Mary officially retires on Thursday.

She said: “Hampshire has a strong volunteering base and I never cease to be amazed at the dedication and commitment shown by the volunteers. I shall certainly miss meeting the people who work so hard to make Hampshire the vibrant and successful county that it is. Working with so many organisations with dedicated staff and volunteers has been a very special experience.”

Cllr Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council, said Dame Mary would be missed far and wide for her personality and ability to connect with people of all ages.

He said: “Twenty years ago you became the very first woman to become the Lord-Lieutenant for Hampshire and the question people now ask is whether a man could do the job!

“Hampshire has been a county since the 8th century and has had a Lord-Lieutenant since the 16th century, including many famous people and you Dame Mary will now take your place on that long list.”

Mr Perry presented Dame Mary with a commemorative book, complete with tributes from dignitaries across the county.

Since her appointment on January 28, 1994 Dame Mary has been part of Hampshire’s history, including attendances at celebrations to mark The Queen’s Golden Wedding in 1997 and the D-Day 50th commemorations in 1995.

As president and patron of 60 organisations she has attended 15,000 visits to charities, businesses, schools, voluntary organisations, universities, colleges and the Armed Services and been responsible for 800 Royal visits.

Vice Lord-Lieutenant of seven years, Nigel Atkinson, now takes over the role.