A NURSERY boss will find what's at the of the rainbow after bidding farewell to staff and children.

Ann Marie Boyd, head of Rainbow Family Centre for the last five years, enjoyed a Spanish-themed leaving do, reflecting her love of sunshine holidays.

Ann Marie says she thoroughly enjoyed her time at the nursery and especially her relationships with parents and children.

Anne Marie, 62, who officially retires at the end of the month, said: "It's been amazing at Rainbow.

"I have met some fabulous people and worked with fabulous staff, parents and children.

"I have really got to know the people in Port Glasgow, they are very friendly and remind me of my home town of Clydebank.

"They are very welcoming and have taken me to their hearts."

Prior to working at Rainbow, Ann Marie was head of Kelly Street Nursery in Greenock.

She has spent the last 21 years of her working life in Inverclyde and has been in education for a total of 45 years.

She says the recent coronavirus lockdown has been a challenging time for everyone and is keen for everything to get back to normal.

Ann Marie said: "I know education services have got a great plan in place to do just that in August."

Staff laid on a special tea for Ann Marie with a buffet, cake and sombreros, garlands and Spanish music.

There was also a wall of fame with pictures of Ann Marie from throughout her five happy years at the centre.

Ann Marie is married to Gordon and they have two sons and two grandchildren and share a love of holidays abroad.

She said: "I really enjoyed my Spanish themed celebration - we go to Spain a lot and are planning to go there for a month later this year.

"My husband and I plan to travel and we also do a lot of walking and socialising.

"I'm looking forward to chilling out."

Ann Marie says working in the Port has been a lovely way to end her career.

She said: "It's been an absolute pleasure to work here.

"It's a happy place to work and a happy place to be - and if the parents think that, their children will learn.

"If I have helped one family, then I will have done my job."

Sonia McKay, depute head of centre, says Ann Marie will be much-missed by everyone.

She said: "Ann Marie came here five years ago but it feels as if she has always been with us.

"She has made a fantastic contribution to the centre.

"We have had a couple of inspections under her and one parent described the nursery as 'life-changing' for their family - I think that says it all."