Pupils at Grosvenor Nursery in Kearsley surprised school secretary with a special presentation to mark her retirement after 36 years.

Carol Blackburn was presented with a big bouquet of flowers, a handbag, vouchers and a bird table for her garden.

Headteacher Maureen Vickers praised her colleague’s charitable work for the school.

She said: “I have been here for 24 years myself and I have seen what an asset to this school Carol is. She has always done the fundraising for the school, organising tombolas and raffles. She must have raised thousands.

“She will be sorely missed.”

Mrs Blackburn, aged 62, added: “It has been a pleasure to work in such a fabulous environment. The children are fantastic, and the parents and teachers are also great.

“Of course I will miss working here after so long but can’t wait to start retirement — I’ve already got a caravan holiday booked.”