THREE receptionists at a Radcliffe clinic have bid their colleagues a fond farewell -- at the same time.

Kathleen Lawrenson (61), Sandra Barlow (60), and Julia Berry (59), have all retired from the Red Bank group practice, on Unsworth Street, after a combined 67 years with the surgery.

Kathleen, of Turks Road, Radcliffe, who has been with the firm for 26 years, plans to leave for a sunny Greek island.

She said: "It's been quite strange really. It doesn't feel like my life, but I am sure I will get used to it. My husband Geoff and I will be moving to Corfu in the summer, when he has retired as well.

"We are looking forward to it, and I am sure we will have a great time."

Sandra, a mother of two, has worked at the surgery since 1978, and is looking forward to spending time with her new grandson, Ethan.

Sandra, of Marsden Walk, Radcliffe, said: "I am looking forward to my retirement so much. I will miss the staff and the girls, but it will be nice to have no work to do."

She also hopes to spend more time with her children Stephen and Tracey, and husband Roy.

Julia is looking forward to spending more time with her family.

The grandmother-of-three, from Conway Avenue, Whitefield, said: "I'll miss the company at work, and the staff, but it will be nice to have time to myself. I have been thinking about enrolling on a course to help children with reading difficulties.

"It'll also be nice to spend more time with my husband Ray, and my children Lorna and Helene and the grandchildren, Daniel, Callum and Emily."

The ladies enjoyed a meal to celebrate their retirement, with colleagues at Italia Mia in Radcliffe last Friday.