A NURSE who retired after 54 years was surprised with gifts of thanks by staff at her local supermarket.

Members of staff at Waitrose in Wimborne presented flowers, chocolates and strawberries to the unnamed woman who had just finished her last day after 54 years of working for the NHS.

In a post that’s been shared numerous times on Facebook, her daughter Edwina Kitson thanked the staff for having made her mum’s day.

It read: “So after 54 years of Nursing and a nice final morning with her colleagues, my Mum didn't have a thank you from the NHS for her service not even an acknowledgement... no no.

"However on visiting Waitrose on her way home, she briefly mentioned it was her last day in the NHS after 54 years to a worker after enquiring about something.

“In the short time it took her to do a little shopping she was greeted at the door by the manager with roses, flowers, strawberries and cream and thanked for her service to the NHS personally from the manager of Waitrose.... this made my mum’s day. Shame on you NHS ... thank you Waitrose, Wimborne in Dorset xxx.”

Tina Eicke, branch manager at Waitrose Wimborne, said: “We're pleased to have made her day that little bit more special.”