PATIENTS who weren't even ill made the trip to Great Harwood Health Centre to say goodbye to popular receptionist Maureen Chippendale.

Maureen, of Great Harwood, who celebrated her 60th birthday on Monday, retired having worked at the centre in Water Street for 21 years.

Employees past and present celebrated Maureen's retirement with a party and buffet lunch and she received many presents and bouquets.

Centre administrator Michelle Hough, said: "She is quite an exceptional lady and lots of the patients came in specially to see her and give her presents and flowers."

Communicare health trust presented her with a leather handbag as recognition of her hard work.

The previous evening, Maureen had been treated to a retirement meal by the practice's doctor, Mohammed Rahman.

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