A HEALTH worker who spent almost 40 years caring for the community has retired.

Practice nurse Beryl Taylor said a fond farewell to colleagues and patients at the Dr Wood and Partners practice in Spennymoor, County Durham, on Christmas Eve.

Mrs Taylor, 61, began her career as a midwife at Bishop Auckland Hospital. After six years she moved to the health centre in Spennymoor and for the last 27 years she has worked for Dr Wood and Partners, which is based in the centre.

She said she would miss everyone connected to the practice.

“We have got one of the best medical teams here. It is a fantastic set-up,” she said.

“All the girls have been wonderful to work with and I had the most marvellous bosses and practice manager. We all worked together for such a long time.”

She added: “Every day was a little bit different – I saw the entire spectrum. It was so varied and so interesting.”

Mrs Taylor celebrated her retirement and Christmas with husband Arthur, daughter Rachel, her two grandchildren and other family members.

Immediate plans include the block paving of her drive. However, later in the year, Mr and Mrs Taylor plan to travel.