One of Britain's longest serving nurses retires after 65 years

One of Britain's oldest nurses has retired after 65 years

One of the longest serving nurses in the country has decided to call it a day after more than six decades working in the NHS.

Norma Newcombe officially retired from duty last week surrounded by colleagues and patients past and present.

She ended her 65-year career as a school nurse working out of Hindley Health Centre in Wigan.

Ms Newcombe says she is retiring from her post while she is still fit and active, and able to enjoy herself.

"I am both humbled and proud to serve such a wonderful institution founded by Aneurin Bevan which has serviced our country and its people, enabling them to have a better and healthier quality of life," Ms Newcombe told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"I have worked in a job I love since 1958, including 50 years as a school nurse, and have certainly seen many changes.

"As a nurse, my main vocation was, and will always be, to care."

'Heart of gold'

Ms Newcombe, who turned 80 last year, worked for Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust for more than 50 years. She spent her remaining years at Hindley Clinic - the place where she began working in her local community in 1973 after completing her training in Liverpool.

Sharon Swift, community public health specialist practitioner at Hindley Clinic, said: "Norma will be missed by all of the 0-19 service but we certainly wish her well with her next chapter.

"She holds a special place in the hearts of the children and families that she has helped over the years - many for three generations. Norma is a very special part of our school nursing family and is loved by all of the team for her heart of gold and her dedication to the school-age population of Wigan."