Nursing home stalwart was spoiled by staff and residents as she retired - for a second time

Rosemary Henry, 79, had previously retired from another post but became bored and decided to take on another job to keep her busy.

She and started doing the laundry at Altnacraig House in Greenock and stayed for 16 years.

Now, due to ill health, she has stepped down and is finally planning to relax and take it easy.

Staff and residents threw a party to show Rosemary how much she meant to everyone.

They organised tea, snacks, a cake and flowers and invited her grandson along for the celebrations.

Rosemary said: “I retired once before but didn’t like not being busy.

"When I saw this job I took it, thinking it would just tide me over.

"I didn’t think I’d be here this long but I have really enjoyed it.

“I get on well with everyone, the staff and residents have been great and I will miss them all.

“I really didn’t expect them to go to all this effort, it has been such a surprise.

"I want to thank everyone for their support and well wishes, they have made me feel very special.”

Recreation therapist Eleanor Pickett said they couldn’t let Rosemary retire without making a bit of a fuss.

She said: “Rosemary is brilliant.

"She has been here all these years and still nothing is a bother to her.

“She is a lovely lady and a valued member of the team, she was always willing to put in extra hours and the laundry was always perfect.

“We wanted to thank her for all her hard work over the years so we got everyone together for a farewell celebration.

“We wish Rosemary well for her retirement.”