A STALWART of the nursing profession has been given an emotional send-off after almost 50 years' service.

A ceremony was arranged to mark the retirement of Joy Ash, who has stepped down as a partner of the King's Head Nursing Home, in Barnard Castle.

Colleague Tony Chisholm presented Miss Ash with a framed picture of the home, painted by local artist Chris Mouncey. She also received gifts from staff, residents and social services.

Miss Ash is moving to Cornwall to be with her family, following a serious illness.

Mr Chisholm said: "She has always put everything and everybody before herself.

"Even when she first became ill, she told me in hospital that she had to get back to work because we would be short staffed and that I would have nobody to cover the shifts."

Miss Ash, who has been in partnership at the home since 1988, has been a member of the Council for Education of Health Visitors and the health visiting committee of the UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visitors, and a member of the national boards for nursery, midwifery and health visiting.

She also received the Queen's personal award, the Order of St John.

Miss Ash, who gained her registration in 1955, said: "I had forgotten I had done half of those things, but I will remember you all."