A GREENOCK nursery really is one of a kind after children and staff celebrated its first birthday.

Youngsters and adults alike have enjoyed many happy returns to the pre-school facility within St Joseph's Primary since it opened just over 12 months ago.

The former infant department at the back of the Wren Road building was converted into a nursery to accommodate increased demand as a result of the Scottish Government's doubling of early years education provision to 1,140 free hours a year.

The pre-five centre - separate from Bluebird Nursery, which is also on site - opened at the start of January 2019 but staff held off a few weeks before holding a Burns and tartan-themed first birthday party to mark the anniversary.

Alan Graham, head of centre and principal of St Joseph's Primary, dressed especially for the occasion by donning his kilt, while there was entertainment from Highland dancer Kadie Leigh Jenkins.

Mr Graham said: "Things are going really well here and we will continue to go from strength to strength.

"We've built great partnerships between primary ones and early years children and we'll be building on that year-on-year, not only with St Joseph's Nursery but Bluebird Nursery as well.

"We have great staff and great children in what will be a great community asset."

There are currently 24 boys and girls on the roll but there is room for 56, with places expected to fill up quickly when the early years hours expansion kicks in later in the year.

A further 15 children attend the two to three age group room and there are nine members of staff in total.

Dorothy McCormick, deputy head of centre, said: "I can't believe the nursery has now been here a year.

"We have our own entrance, an outdoor play area and access to the school grounds.

"We have close links with the school - and the community - but we're a non-denominational nursery, as all nurseries are.

"We want more people to know we're here."