MISS Moneypenny is probably the most famous secretary in history but things have changed since the days of studiously writing shorthand notes and taking the boss's suit to the cleaners.

The role has become a demanding one, requiring decision-making and analytical skills. It requires a pro-active approach - not a reactive one like it used to - and the trust put in secretaries by their bosses is more on the level of a friend than an employee.

The first Worcestershire Secretary of the Year competition has shown all of these things to be true among secretaries and personal assistants in the area, with the quality of entrants astounding even the organisers, Hewett Recruitment.

Launched in February, dozens of secretaries from across the county were nominated by their bosses and now a short-list of six finalists has been drawn up.

The finalists are due to find out who will wear the inaugural Secretary of the Year crown at a gala awards reception, on Thursday, May 27, at historic Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich.

"We were convinced that the position of secretary and personal assistant had changed dramatically in the last decade," said organiser Louise Hewett, who runs her recruitment business from offices in Worcester and Kidderminster.

"The old-fashioned image of 'Miss Jones' taking notes and making cups of tea was well and truly out the window. What we wanted to find out was, although the position was still very much alive, what did a secretary actually do in this day and age?

"We were staggered to find that bosses involved their right-hand colleagues far more these days in decision-making processes, almost acting as a filter between other work colleagues and the companies' external contacts. All were highly respected in their own field and took the proactive approach as opposed to the reactive."

Ms Hewett said most were considered "professional friends" and had a "special bond" with their bosses.

The awards ceremony is due to be attended by local dignitaries, business people, finalists and their families and a surprise celebrity guest.

The winner - who will be announced in the Evening News - will receive a theatre break in a four-star luxury London hotel, provided by Hotelshop UK, an on-line booking company, in Droitwich.

Karen Thomas

Helping to organise Simon Chippendale, senior lecturer in palliative care for St Richard's Hospice, has been Karen Thomas's role for the past 15 months. Her role involves organising further training for post-graduates, doctors, nurses, health care assistants and volunteers who wish to learn more about this vital form of care.

"Karen is the organ-grinder behind our department. Her organisation skills are second to none," said Mr Chippendale. "Her calm methodical approach to makes her a real asset." to St Richard's."

The former legal secretary, from Malvern, also helps with the hospice's fund-raising events including hiking the Malvern Hills for the recent annual Malvern Walk.

n Nicky Robbins

Within the space of 12 months Nicky Robbins has become a valuable asset to Nicky Hawkins, communications director of local housing association, Rooftop Housing Group.

"I thoroughly enjoy my work here at Rooftop, there is a wonderful team spirit and we all pull together when the pressure is on," she said. "I get involved with all sorts of things from updating the website, organising openings and events to making sure that the organisation's literature and brochures are compliant with 'The Plain English Campaign' standard."

Nicky Hawkins said: "Nicky is the best personal assistant I have ever had, her 'can do' attitude is second to none."

Outside work, Nicky lives with Ian her husband of four years.

n Lisa Sparrow

Having joined the Fire Service in 1989 thinking the job would "tide her over" for a couple of years, Lisa Sparrow has notched up nearly 15 years and is now personal assistant to the county's Chief Fire Officer, David O'Dwyer.

"It was never my intention to stay for so long," she said. "But the job is just so varied and interesting with no two days ever being the same - I just haven't wanted to move on!"

Mr O'Dwyer joined the Hereford and Worcester Brigade in 1994 as Chief Fire Officer and needs her to hold the fort and be 100 per cent organised. organised. Lisa is due to marry her fianc, Steve, this Saturday, May 22, following an 11-year engagement.

n Sarah Grove

Sarah has been donning her hard hat and turning up to work at Thomas Vale, one of the Midland's largest construction companies, for 10 years, the last eight of which have been spent working as managing director Tony Hyde's personal assistant.

Despite suffering from Crohn's disease, Sarah has managed to cope with the frequent tight deadlines and demands of her high-pressure role in the £100m turnover company.

"I didn't know anything about being nominated for the Secretary of the Year Award," she said.

"I was completely in the dark, which is a first, as I usually deal with all of Tony's correspondence - I don't know how he managed to keep this quite! I'm completely shocked but very honoured at being nominated."

The married mum-of-one is also a Brownie Leader for the 3rd Stourport Brownies.

n Sue Ross

"Ask Sue" is a catchphrase at Purac Limited, a water process contractors, in Kidderminster. The company employs more than 300 people including finalist Sue Ross who has been with the company for 11 years and worked her way up through the ranks.

As well as being the personal assistant to the commercial director, projects director and the engineering and technology director, Sue has additional responsibilities including looking after the company's car fleet, and insurance claims. and mobile phones and also overseeing the team of 10 administration staff.

Avtar Jirh, commercial director, who nominated Sue, said: "She is extremely adaptable, considerate, helpful and easily earns the respect of her colleagues".

"It is a well-known fact in the company that if you don't know who to ask, you ask Sue," he said.

n Eileen Austin

Grandmother-of-two Eileen Austin has a job that keeps her young at heart as personal assistant to Christopher Martyn-Smith, managing director of TP Activity Toys, which makes outdoor toys such as climbing frames, swings and trampolines.

Eileen has worked at the Stourport-on-Severn firm for four years and is involved in everything from general administration to organising the five-acre site's refurbishment.

"Eileen has been an absolute god-send," said Mr Martyn-Smith.

"Her commitment and dedication is obvious." her enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile even working late and at weekends if necessary without question. The position warrants a high degree of trust and she has easily earned the respect of her colleagues."