YOUNGSTERS from a Bridge of Weir church gave their minister a special send-off when she retired after nearly 24 years.

The thoughtful children from St Machar’s Ranfurly Church presented Rev Suzanne Dunleavy with a necklace which had a pearl to represent every child she had baptised.

They also sang their own version of the Mary Poppins song Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

The song was re-written by a junior church leader to describe all the ways in which Rev Dunleavy is a ‘super’ minister.

Session clerk, David MacDonald, who has been a member of the church for more than 30 years, said: “It was extremely emotional.

“Her relationship with the children is fantastic and she really makes them feel at home in the church.”

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church was Rev Dunleavy's first charge following a career in primary school teaching.

She trained to be a minister in London and has enjoyed serving the parish in Bridge of Weir for many years.

The 65-year-old received a retirement memento from a very grateful congregation at a special service on Sunday, January 31.

There was a great turnout from local schoolchildren and also representatives from neighbouring churches, who went to the service to bid a fond farewell to the popular minister.

Mr MacDonald added: “Suzanne is really loved by the adults and the children.

“She was always fantastically caring towards families involved in bereavement.”

The congregation also organised a ceilidh in Brookfield Hall to show their appreciation for Rev Dunleavy's work and celebrate her time as a minister at the church.

Rev Dunleavy now plans to move to Livingston to be nearer her family and the church is looking for a new minister to fill the post.

If you have a story you would like to share, call our reporters on 0141 345 8856.