A FIRST class cake maker is retiring this month after more than three decades of full time work at Okehampton Hospital.

Anthea Brock has seen a few changes in her 36 years in the hospital kitchen. She was 24 when she joined the Castle Hospital kitchen team, having spent two years at catering college and working at the former Bay Tree motel in Crockernwell for five years.

Anthea said: 'I was brought up on a farm at Exbourne and used to cook a lot, even before secondary school. I've always enjoyed it.

'I joined the Castle as an assistant cook and it was quite busy then, we had a lot more patients, up to 80 meals a day.

'We even had our own vegetables growing in the garden, which we used.

'It was very different. I look back now and wish I'd kept a diary to record it all.'

Anthea also met her husband at the Castle. John was a builder from Hatherleigh, who had been told to get a less strenuous job and ended up working as a hospital porter.

Apart from cooking, Anthea's other love is tennis, and anyone who has ever worked with her knows how important Wimbledon fortnight is.

She always takes a week off during the championships and experience has taught her to also take the day after the men's finals as holiday, just in case the match overruns.

One year she had to keep running home during work breaks to make sure the video was still recording — luckily she lives quite close to the hospital.

Anthea's curries were well known at the Castle, but in later years, and at the current hospital site, it's the cakes that have stolen the show.

'I particularly like making cup cakes and shortbread, and of course Christmas and Simnel cakes.

'I think I've been appreciated over the years, and especially by this matron, Wendy, for making the cakes.

'I can't believe a few cakes can have such an effect on everyone!'

Hospital matron Wendy Bellamy said: 'Anthea's cakes and sandwiches are immensely popular at Okehampton Hospital.

'We're extremely grateful for the dedicated service she has given and everyone wishes her well in her retirement.'