A hospital worker from Bolton was treated to a big surprise as she celebrated half a century of working in the NHS.
Mary Howarth began her career in healthcare in 1974, the same year as the three-day week, Richard Nixon resigning as American President and the formation of Greater Manchester, which took Bolton out of Lancashire.
Mary, who is now 73, has worked for the NHS for the 50 years since and will be well known to anyone who has spent time on the paediatric ward at Royal Bolton Hospital in the last 35 years.
On Tuesday, September 3, her colleagues on the ward threw her a surprise party to mark the remarkable milestone.
On the day, Mary had innocuously come in for a meeting, only to be greeted by cheers and jubilation from a room full of people donned in party hats.
Mary said: "I didn't expect it at all, it was a shock! I have worked in Bolton for 50 years. I have been working with children since around 1989.
"I just absolutely love what I do, I love children obviously, I love the people I work with, I just love my job.
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"There has been a lot of change, massive changes. When I first started with paediatrics, parents couldn't stay with their children, it was very restricted with visiting.
"But now we depend on the parents more, it is easier - sometimes at least!"
She added: "There are so many people I would like to thank over the years.
"I don't think there is anyone individually, it is just a combination of everyone. I hope I have taken those qualities and used them to my advantage."
Her daughter Claire Howarth said: "It is an amazing achievement. I can't envisage working anywhere for 50 years, but my mother has always loved nursing, she has been passionate about it and gives it 110 per cent.
"There were a good few years of childhood where my mum always at work, she is amazing, formidable woman.
"I am just really proud. She is 73 and still working 12 hours a day! I will come home tired after a long day at work and she is still going."
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