A CHORLEY woman's 'temporary' job is finally ending - after 32 years!

When Veronica Fairhurst, 65, first started working on Worden's fruit and veg stall at Chorley market 32 years ago, she only planned to stay until the summer holidays.

However, she loved it so much that she is still there -- until next month, that is, when she retires.

Veronica, 65, said: "I've been very happy working here and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"After I finished school I went to work in a weaving mill, but I took about 10 years off to look after my children.

"I started at Worden's one February and thought I would just work until the holidays. Then it got to the holidays and I thought I would just work until Christmas. It came up to 32 years!" But Veronica isn't planning a quiet retirement. Despite the death of her husband four years ago, she still has plenty of activities planned for the next few years, including seeing her two sons and three granddaughters.

She is also chairman of the Chorley Stroke Club.

But she insists she will miss working on the stall: "I am going to leave behind a lot of friends and a lot of very nice customers. I've never had any problems here."

Her soon-to-be ex-boss John Worden will be sad to see her go. Veronica began on the stall -- one of Chorley's oldest businesses which started life as a fishmonger's in 1864 -- when it was still run by his father.

He said: "She's always worked for the benefit of the firm. I think of her as an aunt as much as an employee."

John is now looking, with a heavy heart, for someone who can fill Veronica's shoes.

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