A popular waitress will say farewell to customers and colleagues tomorrow when she hangs up her apron after three decades in the job.

Lola Rodriguez has worked at The Mitre Inn restaurant, in High Street, Oxford, for 32 years.

Fellow waitress Lisa Boggs has worked with Lola for seven years.

She said: "She's looked after me like a mum, I'm going to miss her so much.

"She does everything here she does the decorations at Christmas, she trains people, she looks after everyone.

"She's been an absolute pleasure to work with. All the customers know her. She'll be impossible to replace."

Mrs Rodriguez, who lives in Iffley, said: "I'm going to miss all my girls working with me and the manager and my customers.

"I have been quite sad. I have shed a few tears."

When asked why she stayed at the Mitre so long, she said: "I like the job, I have been happy there.

"Sometimes you have good days, other times bad days, but I really enjoy it, because I have wonderful people working with me. I have worked with manager Andy Cowan for 11 years.

"But now it's time to go. My husband retired a long time ago and I would like to spend more time with him.

"I will miss everyone so much it's going to be difficult for me to say goodbye. But we'll keep in touch and I'm sure I'll come back in and see everyone."