AFTER helping at a village playgroup and nursery school for more than 20 years, volunteer Catherine Finlinson is well-known to families in her home village of Hunwick.
Until she retired last Friday, she was a regular fixture at the community centre where up to 28 children a day attend pre-school classes.
She started in the 1980s, when her sister, Jane Gilmore, was playgroup leader, but now, at 58, she is ready to hand over her duties to a younger helper.
She said: "I am going to put my feet up for a bit then maybe find something else to do.
"I am sad to be leaving but it is the right time for a younger person to take over.
"I will miss the children very much and will call and see them every now and again."
Community association treasurer Alistair Melville presented Miss Finlinson with flowers, and there were presents from children and villagers.
Pre-school leader Norma Snowdon said: "She has been here a long time. We will all miss her."
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