A BOLTON nurse is hanging up her uniform after 45 years treating the town's patients.

Mary Fox was joined by family and former colleagues on Tuesday at Bolton Hospice for a surprise retirement celebration.

The 61-year-old from Stoneclough has enjoyed a long career in nursing, finishing it as a nurse at the hospice.

She said: "I've loved every minute of my job and if I had to do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing.

"The patients have been the best part of my work but the people I've worked with have also been wonderful and very supportive. I'm very sad to say goodbye.

"It feels like the right time after 45 years, when I'm still young enough to do other things and have good health.

"Working in a hospice you see people die who are far younger than yourself and it makes you appreciate things far beyond work."

Originally from Chorley, Mrs Fox started her path in nursing in September 1970 at Bolton's Royal Infirmary as a pupil nurse, before going to Bolton General.

As an enrolled nurse she worked at Bolton Royal Hospital for many years before an interest in palliative care lead her to Bolton Hospice ten years ago.

During her career she has also used her wealth of nursing experience into mentoring students.At home she also raised a family and has two children, Gary and Amanda.

She is also a keen bowler, enjoying both in door and grass bowling.

Following her retirement Mrs Fox hopes to keep ties with the hospice and its patients as a bank nurse - staff who are on hand to fill in shifts at short notice - as well as spend more time with her four grandchildren.

She added: "I've really enjoyed my time at the hospice and want to thank all the girls I've worked with for their support over the years.

"They are an absolutely fabulous bunch of girls, we've had a great time together."