AN office manager who has been at the heart of a school community on Walney for more than three decades received the Evening Mail's Bouquet of the Week.

Gail Scott was given the special flowers on her last day at work at South Walney Infant and Nursery School before retiring on Thursday July 21.

The 65-year-old, of Portsmouth Street, Walney, has worked at the Amphitrite Street school for 28 years but joined the parent teacher association four years earlier when her son, Andrew, started school.

A special assembly was put on for Mrs Scott's last day, with teachers and pupils saying thanks for being such a popular member of staff.

Speaking after being presented with the Bouquet of the Week, Mrs Scott said: "It was absolutely fantastic. It was so special.

"I have worked here for 28 years but been involved in the last 32 years because my son came here and I was on the PTA and used to come in and help at the school.

"I will miss all of the staff. I'll miss all the children. I'll miss the families.

"It's a really special school and it's always been like that.

"Everybody says it's special."

Mrs Scott hopes to have more "me time" during her retirement and plans to spend more time with friends and family and visit the gym more often.

Mrs Scott is also a first responder and hopes to continue this vital community role and be first on the scene in medical emergencies in the local area.

During the school assembly, headteacher Nancy McKinnell read out tributes from other staff members, some of whom described Mrs Scott as everything from a "legend" to the "tooth fairy's assistant."

Mrs McKinnell said: "She started here with me. She has looked after our pupils.

"She started here when her son, now a university lecturer, joined.

"No two days at the school are ever the same. She's relishing time to herself."

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