PUPILS and staff served up a fitting farewell to a much-loved Port Glasgow dinner lady who has hung up her apron after nearly four decades.

Catering manager Mary Doherty has taken early retirement from St Michael’s Primary, where she has worked for the last 28 years.

Mary, 55, also spent nine years at St Francis’ and 12 months at Port High during a career serving up meals to hungry pupils.

She was given a huge send-off by children, staff and her canteen colleagues at a special school assembly.

Mary, who lives in Auchenbothie Road, said: “I had a do as well with all the catering managers and bosses up at the community campus and received lovely gifts and presents.

“Everybody has been so kind.”

The popular dinner lady says she will miss the schoolkids but she will have her hands full at home with a grandchild due in March.

Mary said: “I felt it was time to go and that I’d done enough.
“I’ve also got arthritis and it was getting a bit much being on my feet so much.

“I’m going to be a gran after the new year so that will keep me busy.

“I’ll miss everything, but especially the kids. Seeing them go from P1 to P7, then meeting them at high school and bumping into them outside has always been a pleasure.

“I served my son’s fiancee and her brother when they were in school, and even served their mum at St Francis.

“If that doesn’t make you feel old then I don’t know what will!”