AFTER almost 30 years of helping residents at Penketh Pool, Kath Farrell closed the reception desk for the last time.

Little did she know that staff and regular swimmers at the Honiton Way centre had organised a surprise party to wave her off on her way to retirement.

Kath, who grew up in Penketh, started working at the pool at the age of 40 after leaving her job at Rylands.

The 68-year-old said: “I’m missing it already –it’s your colleagues and the children and all the people who come and go, we’re one big family. 

“I’ve seen lots of changes to the pool and there are staff who have come and gone – except for Ged. There will probably be many more changes to come.

“The leaving party was a fantastic surprise."

Kath has two daughters, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, all of whom live nearby.

She added: “What I remember most is that my own grandson started at the pool when he was five and at first he absolutely hated it. Sixteen years later he went back to Ged and got a job here as a lifeguard. That really surprised me.

“I will be enjoying my retirement. I have lived in Penketh all my life and all my family still live here.

“I’ve got a lot of time to spend with them all now."