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She is head of all things laundry at the Council House as well as making sure our dignitaries look the part, maintaining the standard of their robes and chains.

"Linen napkins can be really bad. Obviously wine, sometimes curries... they're really stubborn... usually most of it comes out."

The 'iron' lady

On a typical morning, after removing the dirty laundry from the parties held on the lower floors the night before, she'll return to her "office" four floors up to start the chores.

Here you'll find the washing machine spinning for most of the morning whilst Jacqueline spends a couple of hours behind the ironing board.

To many it might sound like a nightmare job but Jacqueline says she never gets bored.

"I love washing and ironing. They're like cleaning, very therapeutic. You get lost in your own little world."

Housekeeper Jacqueline Hand

I love my job

Jacqueline fondly compares roles in the Council House to that in 1970s costume drama Upstairs, Downstairs with the servants and their masters.

"I'm on the top floor and then [downstairs] you have the Civics that are almost like gentry.

"I feel very privileged to work [here]. It's a wonderful building."

80 years

In 2009 the Council House celebrates 80 years. The Victorian building, which was completed in 1929, is best known for its exterior with its imposing dome rising 200 feet above the ground. However, its interior is just as impressive. In fact, the ballroom on the first floor is a replica of the Ballroom of the Palace of Versailles.