STAFF and clients at Harewood Day Centre, Tavistock, said goodbye to one of their more senior helpers last Wednesday.
Tavistock-born Kathleen Coombe, who celebrates her 100th birthday next April, started working as a carer at the centre on Plymouth Road in 1961.
Years later she swapped to a new role of making handicrafts to sell to raise money for the centre.
All the proceeds from Miss Coombe's toils have gone towards a comfort fund for special occasions such as clients' birthdays.
But a persistent pain in her hand meant she had to hang up her knitting needles last week, bringing to an end more than 40 years' involvement with the Harewood Centre.
'I shall really miss it, but they've told me I'm welcome to visit any time,' she said. 'I've really enjoyed the camaraderie here. Everyone has been so kind over the years.
'I have very pleasant memories to take away with me — but I'm sure I'll be back quite a lot.'
A surprise send-off was arranged for the day of Miss Coombe's retirement, with friends and colleagues enjoying plenty of food and drink.
Joyce Baker, assistant manager at Harewood, said Miss Coombe would be sorely missed by everyone at the centre.
'She's made a great contribution to Harewood over the years, raising a lot of money for the comfort fund with her handicrafts,' she said. 'She's been a real asset to us.'
BELOW: Kathleen with Joyce Baker, assistant manager at Harewood House.