Never, ever, underestimate a legal secretary. Last week, Obiter dared to suggest that the 39 years and five months that Ann Moody worked as a secretary for retired solicitor, Tony Mackintosh might be some kind of record. Beat that, we challenged. And, inevitably, you did.

Occupying pole position (for the time being, at least) is Pauline Austin, who worked for 60 years as a secretary at Staffordshire firm Pickering & Butters. She joined the firm in 1948, retiring in August 2008 aged 76 after celebrating her Diamond anniversary, so to speak. The indomitable Pauline (pictured with senior partner David Worrall) hasn't put her feet up – she now works as a part-time dinner lady at her local primary school.

Still in contention, however, is secretary Lynn Bochonek, who has worked for Yorkshire firm Nigel Ward & Co since 15 July 1968. That is 40 years six months and counting.

Obiter can only repeat: beat that!