COLLEAGUES of a popular Three Towns nurse who is still working hard after more than six decades paid tribute to the "fantastic, inspirational woman" as she turned 80 this week.

Saltcoats resident Barbara Elliott celebrated her milestone birthday today (Monday, March 13) and, remarkably, has worked for 62 of her 80 years.

Currently based in Stevenston Group Practice, Barbara began her nursing career in the infectious diseases ward as she had to wait until she was 18-years-old to do her staff nurse training at Glasgow's Royal Infirmary.

She has since covered several GP practices in the Three Towns as the practice nurse and has been working in the community for many years doing baby clinics and vaccinations.

Colleague Alana Curlett told the Herald: "She loves nursing and caring for people.

"She is inspiring and never lets anything get her down.

"She was born on the 13th and believes that is what has caused her to be accident-prone!

"Barbara is a beautiful person inside and out and we should all take a leaf from her book."

Barbara has been married to husband Norman for 52 years and they have one adult son called Dougie.

She has a love for music and enjoys singing in a local choir - and the group organised a surprise for her last week to mark the special occasion.

Alana added: "She is a great nurse and a fantastic, inspirational woman."