Sarah Todd, 65, has retired after 41 years working as a neonatal nurse at the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston.

She started working at the Paget in 1985 and she has now bid farewell to her colleagues.

Sarah Todd recently bid farewell to her colleagues and friends at the James Paget. (Image: James Paget Hospital)

Mrs Todd, who lives near Norwich, said: "I always wanted to work with babies.

"For the most part I found it enjoyable and helped some wonderful families.

"I just had not appreciated quite the impact all of us that work there would have.

"When families are in such a vulnerable time of their lives they remember staff that have their new-borns."

Mrs Todd started her career as a nurse in 1979 after completing her nursing course at Norwich City College.

Sarah Todd looking after a baby as a nurse in 1981. (Image: Sarah Todd)

She got her first job as a nurse at Northgate Hospital in Great Yarmouth before spending a year as a nanny in Vancouver in Canada.

Upon returning from North America, she got a job at Northgate Hospital again.

She then started working at the James Paget when the area's maternity service was transferred from Northgate in 1985, and has worked there ever since.

Front entrance of James Paget. (Image: NHS)

Mrs Todd added: "I enjoyed helping and supporting the mums and the families.

"I have worked with some lovely staff and had a bit of banter and a few laughs.

"I found it a very friendly hospital."

Her longevity at the hospital saw her strike up several friendships over the years.

One of her abiding memories is attending the wedding reception of a woman who she had looked after when she was a premature baby.

She also recently discovered one baby she cared for now lives in Australia.

Sarah Todd looking after a baby as a nurse in 1983. (Image: Sarah Todd)

On advice she would give to budding nurses, she added: "Enjoy the caring.

"If you have a caring nature you will go far.

"Treat as you want to be treated."

She now plans to enjoy her retirement by travelling and enjoying her many passions which include running and swimming.

© Norwich Evening News