PUPILS and staff at Inverkip Primary have said a fond farewell to a popular long-serving member of staff who has retired.

Senior clerical officer Margaret Crookston has retired after almost 20 years at the school.

Margaret says she will miss everyone but is looking forward to taking some holidays.

She said: “I have been at the school for 19 and a half years and it has been brilliant.

"It is such a lovely place to work.

“The children, staff and parents are great and made every day entertaining and special.

“I have enjoyed the variety of the work, every day is different and it has kept me on my toes.

“Everyone has been so nice and that made the job much easier.

"I can’t thank parents, staff and pupils enough for spoiling me on my last day.

"I will miss them all.”

Margaret plans to spend her retirement enjoying holidays and time to relax.

Head teacher Diane Renfrew says she is a 'treasure' who will be badly missed by the whole school.

Mrs Renfrew told the Tele: “Margaret is a very much loved colleague.

"She is Inverkip Primary, and she's loved by the whole school community.

“She is everything you’d want in the person representing the school - funny, kind and gentle and everyone who came to the school got a beautiful welcome from her.

"She exemplifies our values and will be sorely missed by all.

“Margaret always had time for everyone and what she meant to us all is demonstrated in the gifts and well wishes she has received.”

The pupils at the school performed a farewell assembly where they shared memories of Margaret and sang songs for her.

Diane added: “I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart for everything she has done in her time here and we wish her every happiness in her retirement."