A MUCH-loved Saltash pre-school is set to close its doors for the final time next month after 40 years of helping generations of local children take their first steps into education.

St Nicholas and St Faith Pre-School will shut on Friday, December 18, with staff, families and former pupils left heartbroken by the end of an era.

But as the news sinks in, local residents are hoping to ensure the dedicated team receive a fitting send-off, with plans for a special guard of honour to recognise the impact they have had on the community over three decades.

A post on a Saltash community Facebook page has called on former pupils, parents and anyone whose family has been touched by the pre-school to gather outside the building on its final day.

Staff members Tracey Pritchard (manager), Sadie Way (deputy manager) and Karan Goulty (pre-school assistant) are expected to lock up and walk out together for the last time at 1.20pm, with residents being encouraged to arrive by 1.10pm to line the path, applaud and cheer them on to their next adventures.

Flowers, homemade cards, banners and plenty of loud applause have been suggested as ways of showing appreciation for the team.

The appeal highlights how many of those who attended the pre-school as youngsters are now teenagers or adults themselves, having begun their educational journeys in the care of its staff.

Announcing the closure, the pre-school said: “It is with a very heavy heart that we have to share the sad news that St Nicholas & St Faith Preschool will be closing its doors on December 18.

“SSNF pre-school has been such a lovely, warm and friendly place, and it has been an absolute pleasure to welcome and care for all the wonderful children and families who have been part of our journey. We have shared so many special moments, made lovely memories and watched little ones grow, learn and flourish.

“Sadly, due to a decline in the number of children attending, alongside the ongoing financial pressures of running the preschool, it is no longer financially viable for us to continue.

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision, and one that has not been made lightly. We are truly heartbroken to be bringing this chapter to an end.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to all the families, children, staff and everyone who has supported our pres-chool over the years. Your kindness, trust and support have meant more to us than words can say.

“We will miss the laughter, the little voices, the friendships and the wonderful community that made SSNF so special.

“Thank you for being part of our story.”

The announcement has prompted an outpouring of sadness, but also a determination among residents to make sure the pre-school's final day is remembered for the right reasons.

For the staff who have helped generations of Saltash families, the planned farewell will be an opportunity to see just how much their care and commitment have meant.