A retirement party has been held to mark the 45 years a NHS medical secretary has worked in Newquay.

Jean Lenton, aged 72, worked at the Narrowcliff Surgery and at the former doctor’s surgery in Trebarwith Crescent during her career.

Colleagues, former colleagues, family and friends attended gathered with Jean at the Fistral Beach Hotel to give her a good sendoff.

Many people will have also seen Jean over the past 40 years acting at Lane Theatre where she now holds the position of vice president.

Jean said: “In 1979 when I first started working in general practice there were no computers, no mobile phones, no fax machines, just handwritten notes and letters typed on a manual typewriter and posted.

“Patients just turned up during times and sat in the waiting room and waited. Sometimes for quite a long time.

“The doctors came in and did the morning surgery and then went out on their visits and sometimes had to do the same after the evening surgery.

“Back then there were five GP practices in Newquay, all mostly single-handed and working from their homes.

“In May 1979 I saw an advert in the local paper for a receptionist and typist with Drs Holland and Buscombe. I applied for the job and duly attended for an interview at the surgery at 30-32 Trebarwith Crescent Newquay, two houses knocked into one.

“I got the job, and the years passed. The practice grew and took on more partners, Dr Holland retired and in the early 1990's we all moved out to Narrowoliff Surgery, a new build under the guidance of John Ingle.

“Fundholding came and went thank goodness, computers improved although even now they can be infuriating and oh what chaos they cause when the system is down.

“Over all my years with the surgery I've seen many people come and go and I've had to adjust to a multitude of changes, although some things do seem to go full circle in the NHS and general practice. and sometimes you can go on holiday for a week and come back and it’s all changed.

“And now here we are, outgrowing Narrowcliff Surgery and trying to get new premises once more. I had hoped to have been around for the new move but sadly it wasn't to be, but I shall be coming to have a look round when you all eventually get into your lovely new building, wherever and whenever that might be.

“Anyway, the time has come to finally say farewell to it all. I would like to thank everyone, especially all the Narroweliff doctors and partners, and especially to Sue, a brilliant manager who has helped and supported me particularly over these past few years.”