A DOCTOR who has spent more than two decades working at the same surgery has waved a final goodbye to her colleagues during a special retirement lunch.

A DOCTOR who has spent more than two decades working at the same surgery has waved a final goodbye to her colleagues during a special retirement lunch.

Dr Coral Sharpe has worked at Woodbridge Road Surgery in Ipswich for 21 years.

The 65-year-old moved to Suffolk from London 24 years ago because of her husband's work commitments and started work at the surgery within a few years of being in the county.

Mrs Sharpe, who has four children and six grandchildren, said she was extremely sad to leave the surgery and added she would miss both patients and staff.

"I've been very happy here. I'm going to find it really hard to say goodbye to patients I've had for over 20 years and I shall miss them all very much.

"It's a very caring surgery and the receptionists have been brilliant. It's a good place to work.

"We haven't made any definite plans yet but I have six grandchildren so I would like to spend more time with them," she added.

The doctor, who lives in Ipswich, has been involved with St Elizabeth Hospice for the past ten years, and hopes to work there three mornings a week now she is retired.

She also hopes to carry out more sick visits with her local church.

During her retirement lunch, Mrs Sharpe was reunited with former receptionists and doctors at the surgery.