Children and staff at a Basildon playgroup said an emotional farewell to their supervisor of 30 years on Friday.
Jean White decided she had come to the end of the road at the Ghyllgrove Playgroup.
The 63-year-old said: "I have had a wonderful time, but after 30 years I want to move on. I will really miss it, but I have grandchildren I want to watch grow up."
Jean first started at the group in June 1971 and became supervisor in 1974 and believes that she has helped contribute to the success of the playgroup.
She said: "I hope I have set a good ethos. It doesn't come easy, but if you're going to do a job you do it whole-heartedly."
We'll miss you - Jean White seen with four-year-olds Melissa Tharby and Hannah Christian and other children from the playgroup
Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article