Three familiar faces have retired from a Norwich medical practice, with one bringing to an end 64 years of family tradition.

Dr Anthony Lister, his wife and practice nurse Maureen Webber and their dog Baxter left Old Palace Medical Practice, off Dereham Road, last Monday, after decades of work in the health service.

Dr Lister has been a GP for 32 years, while Maureen Webber had been a nurse for nearly 40 years.

Their black Labrador Baxter had a slightly shorter career, with four years as a regular on home visits and in the surgery.

Dr Lister, 62, followed in the footsteps of his father Erwin, who was also a doctor for 32 years, but the family tradition is set to end as none of his children have gone into medicine.

Erwin Lister moved to the UK from Austria and worked in a variety of hospitals in the UK, before he eventually joined Dr Bert Rose at his practice at 149 Dereham Road.

He set up a branch surgery at 552 Dereham Road, in the Larkman area, which was where his son started his career, before moving to Adelaide Street.

Dr Anthony Lister said: 'It was very common in those days for medicine to run in families. It is a fairly natural succession for sons and daughters to become a doctor if one of their parents is already in that profession.'

In 1989 he set up Old Palace Medical Practice, at the former Green King pub The Alexandra, with practice nurse Maureen Webber, who previously worked at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

Together they said they enjoyed the challenge of working in the Mancroft ward of the city.

But last Monday they left the surgery, which is now amalgamated with Coastal Villages Practice, in the hands of doctors Ramer, Krywawycy and Taylor.

On the day they were treated to a surprise lunch with staff and patients past and present paying tribute to them.

Dr Lister said: 'I will miss the staff because they are brilliant. I will also miss a lot of the patients and their families. This is a small practice and we have always looked after extended families.'

Mrs Webber, 58, said she would also miss fellow staff and patients.

She said: 'I'll miss the patients who are inspirational and make you stop and think about life. Some of the loads they carry, it is amazing how they carry them cheerfully and with kindness.'

The couple, who have been married for five years, plan to enjoy their retirement by travelling and visiting their four children and two grandchildren.

However, Mrs Webber will continue to help train GPs and work in health promotion and education, while Dr Lister will continue to work at Norwich City Football Club and do GP appraisals.

Is somebody you know retiring after decades of service in the same job? Contact Local Life editor Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk