VILLAGERS braved the snow on Friday to bid a fond farewell to Hullavington Village Store assistant Pat Stevenson, who was retiring after 21 years' service.

More than 50 people arrived at the store to thank Pat. Shop owner Paul Girn, who took over in June last year, opened up the garage doors by the shop so well wishers could shelter from the weather until she emerged through the shop door for the last time as an employee - and the gathering surprised her with a celebratory farewell.

"The look on her face was magic - she really did not expect to see the crowd of people there," said Maggie Bawden. "She was joined by hubby Geordie and the emotion started to show. However, she was soon surrounded by well-wishers with even more cards and gifts."

Pat lived in Wellington Place in the late 1960's when her husbands was posted to RAF Hullavington with the Balloon Ops Squadron and Pat has always worked locally - in the NAAFI on camp, the Star and the Queen's Head - as well as raising three children.