MORE than 40 years ago, auxiliary nurse Francis Grundy started her first shift.

And four decades later, she says she is far from finishing her last.

The grandmother-of-two, originally from Northern Ireland, began her career at Hulton Lane Hospital in September, 1966.

But it was 19 years earlier that she first started on her path to becoming a carer.

Mrs Grundy, aged 66, of Leigh Road, Westhoughton, said: "When I was about seven, I started looking after my elderly neighbours, taking them milk and soda bread and chatting with them."

She was originally taken on by the hospital for a six-week trial and never looked back.

Three years ago, Mrs Grundy was moved from the Hulton Lane hospital to the Royal Bolton Hospital, where she still spends her days caring for the elderly and making sure she brings a little cheer to their lives.

She said: "I love my job, and although I've cut down from three nights to two, I've no plans to give it up."

Nicky Elliot, director of human resources at the hospital, said: "Francis is described by her colleagues as the life and soul of the party with a good sense of humour. She is a pleasure to work with and always cheers you up whenever you're feeling down."