STAFF and children from a nursery in Greenock's east end said an emotional farewell as their head teacher retired after 30 years.

Blairmore Nursery School's Marie Crawford devoted all of her working life to the children and the families in the area.

Marie first arrived in 1989 as a nursery teacher and never left, taking on the role as head teacher seven years later.

During that time she has helped give thousands of children the best possible start in life.

At a special end of term celebration, Marie was busy handing out ice cream cones to all the youngsters as a special thank-you, with their parents there too for what was the end of an era.

She admits it is a wrench to leave after so long in the job.

Marie, 56, said: "I love Blairmore Nursery, this is a really special community to be part of.

"The people and the families are wonderful, it has always been such a warm, friendly place to work.

"I love the children, the parents and the place.

"For me it is always about the children."

Marie says that while she has witnessed a lot of change over the years, the one constant has been the kids.

She said: "I arrived in 1989 and then became the head in 1996.

"It is very true that so much has changed in nursery education since I first started, but the children have never changed.

"I have mixed emotions about going - I will miss Blairmore but I am also looking forward to what lies ahead."

Blairmore staff, parents and children were keen to give much-loved Marie a send off to remember.

Family support worker Jacqui Jack said: "We will miss every single thing about her.

"Marie is a wonderful person.

"She loves this community, the families and is absolutely all about the children.

"The parents love Marie because she is always there for them as someone to talk to and she always helps in whatever way she can.

"She has a very special bond with this community and has known the families for years and years, and everyone knows her.

"She is also a wonderful head teacher for the staff as well and will be very much missed by us all.

"Marie did not want us to make a fuss so that is why we had a special day making it all about the children, because they are what matters most to her."