The night shift on Ward 5D at Calderdale gave ultra long-serving Marlene Partridge a fab send-off.

She's been a healthcare, starting as an auxiliary, for nearly half a century and is finally retiring after a few years semi-retired.

And she said she's "absolutely loved" every minute of it and "it never seemed like all those years, she enjoyed it so much."

" It feels right to go now but I can't say enough how wonderful all my colleagues have been. I keep in touch with many who have retired and I got so many cards and gifts I needed a lift home, that is how lovely they are. They were supportive after I lost my husband and I will miss everyone. It is one big family of really lovely people."

Her colleague Heather Swallow came in to make a presentation to Marlene during her last night shift.

Heather said: " I have personally worked with Marlene since I qualified over 15 years. Myself as a staff nurse, she has taught me more than I can imagine. I know the auxiliary nurses who are now healthcare assistants offer so much to the nursing  profession, they should never be under estimated.

"She will be a great loss to the ward."  

Marlene now plans to spend time with her five grandchildren, friend and family and is looking forward to her treat to herself - a fab holiday in New York in December going "posh class".

" I just want to say a massive thankyou to everyone," she added.