DESCRIBED as the end to an era, the doctor and nurse of Bude's family planning clinic have retired from their post.

The clinic has been running for around 50 years. Dr Di Gurd and nurse Jenny Cloke have worked together for many years, before the clinic they had been doctor and nurse at the local school.

Jenny said: "It feels like an end to an era."

Di continued: "We have had a lot of fun over the years."

The ladies celebrated their retirement with a special lunch at the Falcon Hotel, Bude, last Friday (November 15). People involved with the clinic, part of the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust, were invited.

The pair covered a vast area from their Bude base, including Camelford and Boscastle. They made it 'a real local service' and could tell tales of being stopped in the supermarket and 'speaking to many people in the kitchen'. Whenever they were needed, they would be there.

Di said: "We have messed in people's lives well and truly."

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.