FAMILIES and staff from an early learners group in Worcester were “sad and emotional”when it closed down after 30 years.

The Henwick Playgroup and Early Learners Pre-School, based at Oldbury Park School, closed its doors for the last time yesterday.

Staff and youngsters from the group had a special family picnic and fun day with a magician to say goodbye.

Children who attended the nursery in the past and staff who worked there previously also attended to share their memories and have a good time.

Carole Denning, 65, who has been associated with the group for the last 30 years, said: “It has been an emotional day.

“We had all the kids round for a fun day and lots of former pupils came as well.

“What set me off was my 96 year-old mother coming with the rest of my family, it was really special.

The playgroup was originally based at the YMCA in Worcester before moving to Oldbury Park Primary School.

Mrs Denning said: “I have been associated with the playgroup since it was based at the YMCA all those years ago.

“I was just a parent at first but as time goes by got more and more involved with it.

“It was amazing how we have parents now who we looked after as children years ago so it is great to see those generations come through.”

Mrs Denning said that the reason for the closure was that the school is looking to run a full day nursery, while Henwick Playgroup only ran from 9am till 12.15pm.

She added: “They did offer me the chance to take it on but I am at the age where it wasn’t really viable for the way I wanted to run it.

“It is a shame, but at the end of the day, I am a realist and you have to move on.

“I would like to thank all the staff, parents and kids who have made Henwick Playgroup a success.

“They are all a million to one and we could not have done it without them.”

Headteacher of Oldbury Park, Sarah Boyce, said: “The nursery has closed because parents from the school asked for full time nursery provision.

“We are very grateful to everyone as they have been amazing for so many years.

“We are moving forward and will have the full-time provision in place in September.”