A HARD-WORKING woman has retired after dedicating almost 50 years to the same firm.

Janet Nicol bid farewell to her friends and colleagues at RPC bpi group in Greenock at a special reception.

The modest 64-year-old was overwhelmed by being in the spotlight but delighted with her gifts of flowers, M&S vouchers and money.

She said: “I’ve enjoyed my time here and I’ve made a lot of friends.”

Janet, who lives in Broomhill Court, started in the warehouse and more recently she was in the conversion department at the factory BPI Indupac where moulded polythene and plastic bags are made.

Colleagues penned a poem for Janet as she clocked off for the last time.

Her line manager Joan Harper said: “You better believe it that we’re going to miss her.

“I’ve known Janet for 40 years and she has been a good friend and a good worker.

“She’s never missed a day.

“She’s worked for the company for a lifetime — you can’t find workers like Janet now.

“She was very committed and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Janet started on September 2 1968, employed by Thomas Boag, manufacturing second hand jute sacks at the firm’s original site behind the fire station.

Janet lost her husband Andrew almost 14 years ago but she is looking forward to spending more time with her 84-year-old mum Helen now that she has left work.

Company chief executive Frank Doorenbosch was swift to praise Janet’s loyalty and dedication.

He said: “We have been very lucky that Janet has been part of our company.”