A COMMUNITY nurse has retired after 40 years of service.

Ros Salmon, from Thirsk Health Clinic, qualified as a staff nurse after studying at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, in 1965. She worked in the operating theatre, before moving on to study midwifery in 1967.

In 1976, she and husband Joe moved to Thirsk, where they brought up their two children, Mia and Hannah.

Over the years, Mrs Salmon has worked at Cherry Garth Residential Home, Sowerby House Nursing Home and Lambert Memorial Hospital.

She also worked at Ripon Hospital, before joining the district nursing team in 1989, initially working in Northallerton and then in Thirsk.

A retirement party was held at Thirsk Athletics Club by Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust last month.

Speeches were made and Mrs Salmon received gifts including a bird bath, crystal glasses, sherry, port and gift vouchers.

Sister Chris Smith, Thirsk district nursing team leader, said: "Patients, colleagues and friends have thanked Ros for her many years of caring, which she managed in a totally professional and dedicated manner, having empathy and understanding for patients' individual needs."

On leaving, Mrs Salmon presented the team with a wall clock, bearing a plaque which reminds the nurses to put patients before paperwork.