PAT STONE, co-founder of Leapfrog Nursery School in Badshot Lea, has retired after 33 years.

One of the original members of the committee at ‘Badshot Lea Under Fives’, Pat helped start the group in 1985 for her eldest son David to have somewhere to go.

She was originally the treasurer and then became a staff member, alongside a couple of other ladies who apparently emptied their children’s toy cupboards to supply toys for the group to start.

Nursery manager Kay Best said: “If Pat and the other ladies hadn’t done that there would be no ‘Leapfrogs’ now, and we are truly grateful to her at Leapfrogs for all her hard work, commitment and the time that she has given to the group.

“Pat didn’t want any fuss, didn’t want anyone to know that she was leaving. But that really can’t be. Thirty-three years in the same job, serving the community of Badshot Lea, nurturing children ready for school really can not go without a big thank you.

“We all hope that she enjoys her retirement alongside her husband Alan, who too has given up much appreciated time by helping us in the garden."

And she added: "Happy retirement, Pat!”