Popular court usher Maria Payne said goodbye to St Albans Crown Court on Thursday after more than 26 years of helping the wheels of justice turn.

In a ceremony held in courtroom number 1 at the courthouse, judges, recorders, barristers and court staff all gathered to wish Maria, who lives in Harpenden, a happy retirement.

And at the end of the special "hearing" Judge Andrew Bright QC, the resident judge at the court invited Maria to join him on the bench along with the other judges.

As she took centre stage,, Judge Bright told the gathering: "People will now know who was really in charge."

Maria came to work at St Albans crown court in 1991 as an audio typist.

It was four years ago that Maria switched jobs at the court and trained as an usher.

Judge Bright said she had taken to it like "a duck to water"

He said she didn't suffer fools gladly and "woe betide" anyone who tried flouting the court rules by entering the public gallery with drinks in their hands.

He added: "She would make a very good headmistress."

But he said she was also deeply caring, loyal and sensitive to those around her.

If ever a colleague was "down" said the judge it was not unusual for that person to arrive for work one mornings to find a doughnut left on his or hers desk by Maria.

She has particularly fond memories of when she worked closely with a previous resident judge for the court, Judge Michael Findlay Baker QC.

He has been retired for a some years and was unable to attend the ceremony.

Judge Bright said his predecessor had found Maria's help invaluable.

That help had even extended to upholstering Judge Baker's chair, said Judge Bright.

He said that when he had taken over as resident judge in 2010, Maria had helped him to settle into the role because she knew what was expected.

Judge Bright said Maria had always played a big part in helping out whenever the court staged social occasions and she helped make them a resounding success.

Whenever charity quiz nights were staged at the court it was Maria who acted as "official marker" and anyone who challenged her rulings, said the judge would be given short shrift.

Judge Bright said he and his fellow judges were sad to see her go but wished her a long and happy retirement.

Maria plans to now spend more time with her husband Olly and her family.

She plans to travel to the USA and Geneva, where two of her sons live with their families.