A 76-year-old Beckenham nurse has celebrated 60 years of walking the wards for the NHS - and she has no plans to quit just yet.

Margaret Humble began her nursing career in 1955 aged 16 when she worked at Sydenham Children’s hospital as a cadet and the NHS was just seven years old.

At 18, she began three years nursing training with Beckenham Hospital, on Croydon Road, when students worked night shifts and studied during the day.

Mrs Humble, also known as ‘Barty’ after her maiden name Bartholomew retired in 2000 but returned to the hospital as a volunteer.

She said: “Training was very intense.

“Nobody disobeyed the sisters, and the matrons were absolutely terrifying.

“We all had to live in on-site accommodation for the first year, and marriage was very strongly discouraged.

“It was very different in those days.”

Mrs Humble worked in theatre, on the wards, in casualty and outpatients at the hospital, which became known as Beckenham Beacon in 2009.

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As a volunteer, she works a half day per week in phlebotomy and the colorectal clinic.

Mrs Humble added: “I love working at Beckenham Beacon – that’s probably why I’ve been there so long.

“People often recognise me, and I always bump into someone I know when I’m out and about.

“They’ll update me on how they’re feeling, or what their family is doing.

“It’s lovely to be able to go beyond the patient/nurse relationship and get to know people properly.”

She has raised thousands of pounds for new equipment at the hospital with raffles and car boot sales over the years.

Colleagues past and present gathered to celebrate Mrs Humble at a party on February 19.

She also received a letter from Tim Smart, chief executive of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Beckenham Beacon, thanking her for her dedicated service.

Even after 60 years, Mrs Humble said she plans to work at Beckenham Beacon for as long as she is able.

She said: “I’m already looking forward to celebrating 70 years.”