AFTER 29 years of service, the first employee to work at Visitor Centre in Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen is retiring today.

Marjory Collinge, who lives in the Whitehall area of Darwen, said she has been inundated with presents and good wishes from former colleagues and artists who have displayed their work at the venue since making the announcement.

The 67-year-old said she did not know what to expect when the centre opened on July 5, 1980.

She said: “I went to the job centre to find out if there was anything on offer and they said they’d let me know.

“When I got home I had a phone call about the visitor centre opening and would I like it.

“Nobody at that stage knew what the job entailed though.

“But I’ve enjoyed every day and I don’t want to go, but there comes a point where you think ‘When do I stop?’”

The staff at the centre off Earnsdale Road will be putting on a spread of cakes and sandwiches for Marjory when she clocks off for the last time.

She has also been presented with a painting by members of Darwen Civic Society in recognition of selling their charity Christmas cards during the 29 years.