SINCE 1989, Julie Moore has taken care of 79 children, from babyhood, to school, and then beyond.

Now aged 65, the childminder will be saying good bye to the business as she enters retirement.

“I registered as a childminder in 1989 as a means of gaining an income while also taking care of my three children,” Julie told the Herald.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a child care provider (despite having to change somewhere in the region of 25,000 nappies!)

“Of course there have been sad times too - saying good bye to children I have cared for and loved on a daily basis has been heart-wrenching”

Despite the nappies and the good byes Julie sees herself as “lucky”, as she’s had the chance to form lasting bonds with several families, and seen these families grow when children return with younger siblings .

“I have also been happy to see [the children] moving out into the world and progressing as they should, knowing that I have helped them along their way,” she added.