RESIDENTS, staff, friends and family gathered at a Weymouth care home to celebrate the retirement for Ann Burt.

Mrs Burt had been a familiar face at Legh House on Rylands Lane, Weymouth, for 11 years and all her friends wanted to give her a special surprise send off.

They threw a surprise party with flowers, presents and a photo montage board of all the highlights of the past 11 years.

House chairman and volunteer Pam Camp said: “She has been a really caring manager, she will be very much missed.”

Chair of the executive committee Barbara Mills said: “We will be very sorry to see her go and wish her the best for the future.”

Mrs Burt said that it had been a wonderful place to work.

She said: “I have really enjoyed it.”

She added that all the residents and staff were very special.

She said: “It’s a very caring and special place, it really is.”