Pat Gould is looking forward to spending more time on her hobbies

An end of an era has taken place at the Abbeyfield Home, Lyme Regis, with the retirement of its longest serving member of staff.

Uplyme resident Pat Gould worked at Abbeyfield for 35 years and is looking forward to more time for her hobbies of swimming and walking.

Pat, 70, started her job after being asked to help out with the cleaning at the home initially for a couple of days a week.

She soon joined the permanent staff, however, enjoying an excellent career while rising to the position of deputy house manager.

“I really enjoyed my time at Abbeyfield,” said Pat. “The residents and the staff have been lovely. It has always been such a happy place to work. Everybody has always been so appreciative.”

Caring for others has long been a part of Pat’s life for her husband, Charles, also now retired, was a community nurse at Axminster Hospital.