MILLIE Stewart's career in nursing almost stopped before it started after a hospital matron caught her and three friends riding on the back of a laundry van.

As she marked her retirement, the 55-year-old district nursing sister, from Darlington, recalled: "She was fierce and sacked us all for unprofessional behaviour.

"We had only been nurse cadets six weeks. Luckily, she changed her mind next day, but it was agony."

Now, Mrs Stewart has retired after 38 years in the job and has collected a long service award from Darlington Primary Care Trust.

She said: "I have enjoyed every minute of it. I've a son, Paul, and daughter, Lesley, but the patients are like extended family. They stop me in the town, as do the families of people we nursed but have since died."

Mrs Stewart was one of 70 PCT staff to receive long service awards at a ceremony.

Staff who had served 15 years received £75 worth of vouchers, while others were awarded £175 for 25 years and £200 for 40 years.