MARRIED dental surgeons Ross and Muriel MacCallum are packing up their drills ready for retirement.

The couple, pictured, who met in 1959, and have completed 72 years together, are to leave The Avenue, Leigh, practice.

They plan to fill in their newly found leisure time in pursuit of interests in travel, fell walking, sports and music.

Ross and Muriel met when they started their dental studies at Manchester University.

They quaified in 1963, became house surgeons at Manchester Dental Hospital and married in 1964.

Ross, whose father and brother qualified as doctors, moved to work in Wigan and held a part-time post lecturing at Manchester Dental School before moving to Leigh in 1966.

Muriel lectured at the school for three years and arrived in Leigh in 1967.

Ross is a former captain of English Univerities Lacrosse.

The couple told The Journal: "We have enjoyed working in Leigh, with loyal staff some of whom have been with us for nearly 30 years.

"In that time the surgery has expanded from three to the eight surgery practice it is today.

"We are grateful to our many long-standing patients who have, over the years, become friends.

"Local people certainly have hearts of gold and are the salt of the earth. We'd like to thank everyone for the numerous cards and best wishes."

The practice will be continued by returning colleague, Mr Matt McNulty.1110/221/8A

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