Jennings Ford has bid a fond farewell to 70-year-old full-time receptionist, Margaret Jackson, from Whickham, who has officially retired from the group’s Eslington Park dealership in Gateshead.

Margaret has been the first point of contact at the Ford branch for the past 13 years.  She has greeted thousands of customers to the dealership, as well as answering and filtering telephone calls. Prior to joining Jennings Ford, Margaret, worked as a receptionist for a local rent-a-car business and also spent time working for a plant hire firm.

First on the list of ‘things to do’ for Margaret and husband, Alan, 70, is a Caribbean Cruise.

Margaret said: “I’m very sad to be leaving the company and my work colleagues, who over the years, have also become very good friends, but it’s time for me to spend time with my family and do all the things I just haven’t had time to do because of work commitments.”

The dealership celebrated the occasion with special occasion with a presentation.  An emotional Margaret was showered with cards, gifts and flowers from work colleagues, who also took the opportunity to thank her for her continuous hard work over the years.

Margaret added: “I would like to thank everyone for their very kind words and for all of the lovely gifts, I’ve been completely spoilt – everyone has been so very kind.”