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Children celebrated the 45th anniversary of their village pre-school with a party.

Staff, both and new old, joined the youngsters for the party at Wethersfield Preschool, in Hedingham Road, on Friday.

Gloria Ellis, whose child went to the preschool in its first year of opening, has volunteered and worked at the preschool for 44 years.

Now 70-years-old she hopes to continue working there for as long as possible and praised the dedication of the other staff.

She said: “It is a lot of hardwork...but the children make it rewarding and that is the main thing keeping me here, even though I have got my own grandchildren it is very rewarding.

“We are a small and friendly team and have always had good Ofsted reports.”

Over the years she has seen the preschool move to various building but said the new pavilion site is great.

Manager Stephanie Pattle said: “We just had a little party and get together and made a nice new banner.

“Being open 45 years must be a huge achievement for the village.”