TIME'S up for Bury Times receptionist Beryl Hickson who is leaving the paper after 39 years.

The familar face on the office front counter will leave next Thursday, the day of her 60th birthday.

Beryl, who lives in Tottington, started working for the paper back in 1959 when it was based in Cross Street. She worked there until 1968 when she left to start a family.

She returned in 1974, when the paper moved to Market Street

Said Beryl: "I have stayed ever since. I have enjoyed meeting people and have made many friends over the years, staying in touch with many who have come and gone."

The mother-of-two and grandmother of three said she had seen many changes take place at the Bury Times.

"The biggest was when we got rid of the press. That was what made the office feel like a newspaper."

Beryl is looking forward to spending time with her family and working in her garden.

Her retirement will be marked at The Robin Hood pub in Tottington next Friday when friends and colleagues will join her for drinks.