A woman who has worked at a Barkingside medical centre for more than thirty years got a pleasant surprise when her friends and co- workers organised a party to mark her retirement.

Ilford Recorder: Christine Pilham's surprise retirement partyChristine Pilham's surprise retirement party (Image: Archant)

Christine Pulham, 62, from Chigwell, has been working as a secretary at the Fullwell Cross Medical Centre, Tomswood Hill, Barkingside, for 34 years.

Her co- worker Anne Carter, an administration clerk, helped plan a surprise party at the centre, after it was decided this would be the perfect way to mark the occasion and say goodbye.

Asked if she would miss working with Christine, Anne replied “Absolutely.

“She’s very helpful, you can ask her anything. She gets on with anyone and she’s very friendly and reliable”.

Anne has been working at the centre for 28 years.

“We tend to stay a long time!” she said.