POPULAR Teignmouth Hospital porter Steve Bearne has retired after 14 years helping both patients and fellow staff.

Steve, 69, has been a familiar face at the hospital for many years and was presented with a certificate in recognition of his service by Deb Harman, senior sister for the theatre and outpatient departments at the hospital.

Daughter Jodie Butler said her dad was adjusting to his retirement but had loved his time working at the hospital.

She said: ‘He started working there from when my mum was an auxiliary nurse.

‘He just loved being around people, helping people and the job fitted him from the word go.

‘It has been the people he has loved being with and working with and he really misses that now he’s retired.

‘He is always the one who is willing to help out, puts his hand to anything.’

Teignmouth-born Steve, who lives in Dawlish, has had hearing loss for 20 years and has a cochlear implant.

While he struggled with his hearing loss during the Covid pandemic as working in the hospital as everyone was required to wear masks.

His retirement was marked at the hospital with a party and presentation.

Jodie said: ‘He was well thought of and he thought a lot of everyone he worked with.

‘It was such a lovely party and presentation they arranged for him.’

Since his retirement, Steve has been busy seeing friends and spending time with his five grandchildren.