A MUCH-loved nursery nurse thought she was attending a Coronation party only to discover that she was being crowned queen for a day in celebration of her 30-year career in caring.

Wilma Craig has devoted the last three decades to giving young children the best of starts in life - and the happy event at Wemyss Bay Primary School made her the VIP for a change.

The early years and education childcare officer, who spent a decade at the Bluebird Nursery in Greenock, has worked at Wemyss Bay's nursery class for the last 20 years - and is now looking forward to a well deserved rest in retirement.

Wilma, 63, said: "The last 30 years have been brilliant.

"I love to see how the children develop, we get them when they are three and by the time they are ready to go to school they are confident, happy and sociable and I've loved all the cuddles.

"It's been a dream job, I always wanted to work with children. I come from a big family and have lots of nieces and nephews.

"It's been brilliant. It's been hard work but very rewarding."

Greenock Telegraph: Wilma Craig retiral

Wilma was hoodwinked by colleagues into thinking they were having a Coronation celebratio, but instead it was a surprise party for her retirement.

Wilma, who lives in Wemyss Bay, is married to Stuart and they have three sons, Joseph, 31, Paul, 28 and 23-year-old Jack.

Helen Milligan, nursery depute, said: "Working in a school you get to know all the children and when you are walking along the corridor and all the pupils talk to Wilma.

"All you hear is 'Hi Mrs Craig'.

"Wilma has made a great contribution to the nursery and school.

"The kids will really miss her, she will be sorely missed by the whole school."

There will be a special presentation to Wilma at the school assembly on June 26.