NURSERY boss Dawn Phillips was left speechless when she finished work today and discovered almost one hundred people secretly waiting outside for her.

For youngsters past and present from Playclose Preschool in Purton and their parents wanted to make sure the much-love community stalwart was given a leaving party to remember before she moves to Wales.

And they managed to successfully keep the gathering a secret so Dawn had no idea they had been plotting the surprise event behind her back.

So there were tears as she realised so many parents and children had gathered clutching dozens of bouquets of flowers, chocolates and other presents to bid farewell to her and say thank you for all she has done.

Also waiting outside for the 47-year-old, of Vasterne Close, Purton, was her husband of nearly 25 years Stephen and two of her four children, Melissa and Bradley.

An emotional Dawn told the Adver through tears: "I'm so overwhelmed. It's been wonderful. It's been the best job I've ever had.

“All the children I've seen grow up is amazing and it's a wonderful place to work.

"About 10 minutes before I came out I had an inkling something was going on. It's very thoughtful."

Although sad to be leaving, Dawn and Stephen, 49, will soon be moving to Wales to pursue new careers and set up a site offering glamping, also known as glam camping. It has been on the cards for the couple for the last six months.

“We are nervous and excited,” said Stephen. “Dawn is sad because she's seen all these children grow up, but it has also been nice seeing them get older."

Dawn will be locking up the pre-school for the final time tomorrow after taking over as owner almost 14 years ago. But she is leaving it in safe hands and her successor will be current staff member Sarah Grigg.

Among the parents to be full of praise for Dawn was Judith Pullen, 41, of Waite Meads Close, who was one of the main people who organised the farewell gathering. Four of her children have attended the pre-school.

“We wanted to say goodbye in style,” she said.

“Dawn’s turned the pre-school from being quite a small room above a Methodist church to an amazing, vibrant, lovely place for the kids to go.

"She does amazing stuff for them; trips, teddy bear picnics. She's just brilliant with them. She's going to be really, really missed. She's part of the community and as a playgroup they've gone way above any other, especially for children with learning difficulties.”

Three-year-old Lyle Morgan is also going to miss the nursery boss as “she was friendly and makes him happy.” He also brings her sweets every day and as a leaving gift made a huge hamper full of treats.

Lyle’s mum Jade, 29, of Cob Hill, whose daughter Maisie-Debs, five, also attended the pre-school, said: "I just want to thank her for everything she's done for all of our children. She will definitely be missed."