WE shared the news that dedicated NHS worker, Joan Irwin, is celebrating a remarkable 55-years of service at a Carlisle GP practice.

The 72-year-old first started her career when the NHS was only 20 years old.

Harold Wilson was Prime Minister and the Beatles dominated the charts with Hey Jude.

Joan joined Brunswick House surgery as a receptionist in 1968 and has since helped generations of patients to access healthcare at what is now South Carlisle Health Care, in Locke Road.

Here's how readers reacted.

Gaynor Fisher said: "Well done Joan here’s to another 10 years," while Janine Ross added: "Way to go Joan - you deserve a medal."

Jill Lightfoot-Jessamine said: "Congratulations Joan Irwin enjoy celebrating you deserve it."

Audrey Wallis said: "Congratulations Joan, a great achievement. I've been a patient with your surgery for even longer."

Dawn Graham said: "Congratulations Joan Irwin. Always a pleasure to work with."

Louise Feeney said: "Congratulations, great achievement," and Agnes Halbert said: "Well done Joan Irwin a credit to our NHS."

Louise Shaw, Carol Watson, Linda Darlington, Sandra Riley, Mandy Barnes and Mary Macauley all congratulated Joan.

Claire Fisher said: "Hope you got a bonus Joan Irwin."

Throughout her 55-year career, Joan has witnessed several landmark improvements in national health care, including longer life expectancy, a significant decrease in infectious diseases, and a considerable positive shift in survival rates for life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

Ed Tallis, local director for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, was just two when Joan came onboard in 1968.