A TREASURED member of staff at a Walney nursery was surprised on her last day at work with the Evening Mail's Bouquet of the Week.

Brenda Bagley has retired from her role at Walney Central Nursery and was given the perfect send-off last month when staff, children and parents threw her a party to say thanks.

The 60-year-old, of Black Butts Lane, Walney, has worked at the nursery, based at the Old Police House in Central Drive, for 25 years and in that time has looked after and taught hundreds of young children on the island.

She has also gone on to meet the children of former pupils she taught 20 to 25 years ago at the nursery.

Speaking of her last day, Mrs Bagley said: "It was a lovely surprise. It was really nice as all the children had made some cards and presents.

"We had a nice party in the morning and there were balloons and the weather was good."

After more than two decades, Mrs Bagley said she will miss the family feel of the nursery the most and wished everybody well.

She said: "I've enjoyed the children coming through and then seeing them come back as parents with their own their own young ones.

"It's a lovely family atmosphere. It is a small nursery but I do miss it."

Mrs Bagley has lots of plans for her retirement and hope to spend more time with her family and getting outdoors with her husband.

She said: "I'm very sporty. I like running and cycling so that's keeping me busy."

Mrs Bagley is in particular looking forward to her first grandchild being born in March.

She was nominated for the Evening Mail's Bouquet of the Week by Kerry Hughes on behalf of everybody at Walney Central Nursery, with them describing her as a pleasure to be around.

Previous Bouquet of the Week winners

Barrow supermarket worker with inspiring weight loss tale awarded Bouquet of the Week

Hard work of Barrow disability advice team recognised with Bouquet of the Week

Family's tribute to 'outstanding' Barrow carers who looked after mum