BLACKBURN'S BMI Beardwood Hospital has said a fond farewell to its Cyprus-bound radiology manager after 16 years of valuable service.

Margaret Murtagh, from Brownhill, Blackburn, has jetted off to relocate in Paralimini, on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, to enjoy her well-earned retirement years.

During her 16-year career at the hospital, Margaret contributed greatly to the development of a mammography facility and was responsible for the hospital's radiology service.

Hospital chief executive Marc Almond, said: "The place won't be the same without her -- that's for sure! Margaret was a popular and respected member of the team here at Beardwood and will be sorely missed. On behalf of everyone at Beardwood Hospital we'd like to thank Margaret for her hard work over the years and wish her all the very best for her thoroughly-deserved retirement."