A LEGENDARY playschool leader who has nurtured generations of children in Basildon has applauded with a top award to mark her community service to the borough.

Emily Evans was presented with the Alf Dove award by the Mayor of Basildon, David Burton-Sampson on Thursday evening (May 20).

Emily ran the St Gabriel's church playschool group in Rectory Road, Pitsea, after moving to Basildon in 1969.

Emily soon became affectionately known as "Auntie Emmy" over the years as she looked after generations of Pitsea youngsters.

Her work has seen her nurture hundreds of pre-school children for almost 47 years.

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She's also the mum to former Basildon MP, Angela Smith, who is now Baroness Smith of Basildon and Labour leader in the House of Lords.

Lady Smith tweeted: "So proud of my mum receiving the Alf Dove award. A real tribute to the work that she loved for so many years and her contribution to Pitsea and Basildon."

 

The Mayor of Basildon, David Burton-Sampson, said “It really was an honour to present Emily with this award and it is truly deserved.

“Early education is so significant and important to young children and it is at playschool they gain that first experience of socialising and learning.

“I would like to thank Emily on behalf of our borough for her dedication and commitment to early education and for nurturing and caring for hundreds of children during her forty-seven year career”.

The Alf Dove Award was established to mark the 43 years of service of Alf Dove and his significant contribution as a councillor when he retired in 1999.

The award seeks to recognise significant contributions made by individuals to the wellbeing of the local community.