IT was the end of an era this summer when Garswood Pre-School Playgroup said their goodbyes to Sandra Walker, who has retired from the manager’s post she had held for 30 years.

The group was set up by mums 40 years ago because of a shortage of nursery education.

Sandra became involved with the group when she took her son along to join and, as part of the settling-in process, was invited to stay with him for a ‘short period’.

Little did she know the difference she would go on to make.

Colleague, Janet Hoolton, said: “Playgroup will not be the same without her, whether it’s taking part in the sports day races - and winning at age 64 - or popping up from a chimney as Father Christmas in the sing-a-long.

“She will never ever be replaced and is one of a kind. This is why all her friends both past and present wish her and her husband Dave a very long, healthy and happy retirement.

“Children come first and last in everything Sandra does,” said her colleague, Janet Hoolton. “Their love and care are paramount.”

Sandra’s connection with the children and their families stretches further than the four walls of the community centre in which the group is held.

Many of the children refer to her as Aunty Sandra, and her husband Dave says she is often stopped in the street while shopping to chat with parents and grandparents.

The playgroup was recently awarded an Ofsted rating of ‘good’, with ‘outstanding’ in children’s well being.

Staff believe it is largely down to the hard work Sandra has put in over the years, and feel that it reflects the ethos that she has brought to the group.