Regulars showered gifts and birthday greetings on barmaid Laura Scully - who at 80 is still pulling pints at a Bradford pub.

Bradford-born Mrs Scully should be 15 years into a well-earned retirement.

But she insists on carrying on the job she loves, and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays see her on her feet behind the bar of her local, the Prospect of Bradford in Bolton Road.

Management at the pub threw a slap-up party for Mrs Scully, who was inundated with cards, presents, and birthday kisses.

And it was a double celebration because landlady Albina Lofthouse was also marking her 50th birthday.

Mrs Scully, who lives with her son and his family in nearby Exmouth Place, has been working for 14 years at the pub, and had a six-year stint before that at the Goldsborough.

"I used to work in the mills," she said. "I started on this by accident. My son worked at the Goldsborough but then he had a baby so I took over his job.

"I love working here because of the lovely people. They are very pleasant to work for and with the customers, what you see is what you get.

"When we have a very busy night, I do get tired but I wouldn't change it.

"I like to have my smoke and my gill of beer - Websters Green label is my favourite. I enjoy life."

Mrs Lofthouse, who is from Poland, settled in Bradford after meeting and marrying her husband Richard.

She said: "Laura used to work for the previous landlord, and one day after we took over it was very busy. I said to her that she'd better take her coat off and help, and she's been working here ever since!

"She does three nights a week but she's very good because if we are short she will come and do extra - you can really rely on her. She is very popular with our regulars.

"I have said to her that there is a job for her here as long as she wants one."

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