A MUCH loved school dinner lady has hung up her apron after 30 years of scrumptious service — and been given a very tasty send-off.

Mary Larkin has dished up lunch for generations of Inverclyde children through 24 years at St Gabriel's Primary and six years at St Andrew's Primary.

The current crop of pupils who've tucked in to Mary's meals showed their appreciation by cheering her and giving her a farewell to remember.

Mary, 63, said: "I got the biggest surprise of my life.

"I couldn't stop crying and shaking, but it was a brilliant day.

"I couldn't have asked for a better send off and it was totally unexpected.

"I got flowers and vouchers and cake and it was very emotional for me.

"I'm going to miss it all so much, but I have great memories to look back on, and what everyone did for me will be one of them."

Mary, who lives in Braeside, added: "I can't thank everyone enough for doing me proud.

"I'm not used to being the centre of attention.

"It was unforgettable.

"I'm going to miss the kids and my colleagues so much; there's one girl I've worked with for 19 years and she was quite upset to see me going.

"But I'll not be a stranger and we'll all still keep in touch, and I'll still be going on our wee nights out together."

Mary also got a bonus gift from her colleagues who took her out for a celebration meal at The Exchange restaurant followed by a shindig with teachers at the Green Oak Bar.

She joked: "It was a nice change to get a meal cooked for me, instead of me dishing them out to everyone else."

Mary added: "It was a fantastic night with great company, and it went on 'til daft o'clock.

"I'll never forget it."