A dedicated Bexleyheath pre-school owner has retired after a well established 23 year career.

Julia Matton has lived in Bexley since 1985 and now 54 years of age, she is looking forward to her well-deserved early retirement.

Mrs Matton took ownership of Tweenies Pre-school in Robert's Hall, near Christchurch in the Broadway in 1998.

Jacqueline Nokes, Julia’s identical twin sister who had also worked at the pre-school since 1998, said: “Tweenies has been such a huge part of the community and has helped so many children – some have even returned to Tweenies years later with their own children or to start work experience!

“It has been a pleasure working for Julia. She has been a fantastic employer for the past 20 years. Under her management, Tweenies has felt like one big family.

“We all wish Julia a very happy early retirement and thank her for her time, support, dedication and love she has always shown her staff, as well as the parents and the children.”

Through the pre-school, Mrs Matton has also helped to raise hundreds of pounds for charities including NSPCC, Barnardo’s, Childline, Tommy’s, British Heart Foundation and Action for Medical Research.

Talking about her last day at Tweenies in a post on Facebook, Julia Matton said: “I have been privileged to have looked after your children, teaching them, playing with them, comforting them and making such lovely memories that I will always look back on with happiness.

"I have had a lovely last day and felt thoroughly spoilt and overwhelmed by my staff and parents who came in to see me to say goodbye. I will never forget what has been such a big part of my life.

“I now leave you in the capable hands of Abie and my wonderful team, not as Tweenies, but still with the same care and compassion as always. I know Abie will run the pre-school with as much commitment and enthusiasm as I did and will continue to keep up its good reputation. Thank you everyone. Goodbye and best wishes to you all.”