Barbara Goodhand retires from Hull's Golden Fry chip shop after 25 years

IT HAS been one of the longest ever job trials.

But after 25 years of serving fish and chips in Hull city centre, Barbara Goodhand is hanging up her apron and fish tongs.

In the last quarter of a century, Hessle Roader Barbara, 61, has served the likes of former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and even welcomed Rolf Harris to The Golden Fry in Savile Street.

She said: "I saw an advert in the JobCentre and it appealed to me as I had children at school and it fitted in around that.

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"Technically, I am still on trial.

"We've had a few celebrities in over the years, although my favourite was probably Rodney from Emmerdale. I swooned over him.

"Rolf Harris wiped his own plate clear. It was spotless."

Barbara had tears in her eyes when owner Tony Smith presented her with a watch and a bouquet of flowers to mark her retirement.

She said: "I've probably served millions of portions of chips and patties. It hasn't felt like 25 years. I've always really enjoyed it.

"I don't think it has changed much over the years. We sell good-quality food and aim to provide good-quality customer service.

"As to my retirement, I decided it was time to stop and I now plan on joining as many over-55 clubs as possible."