BROWNIE leader Win Freeman said a sad farewell to youngsters on her retirement.

Mrs Freeman, 65, has worked with the St Mary's brownies, Mellor, for 19 years, but decided to call it a day so she could look after her three grandchildren -- Charlotte, five, Megan, four, and Samuel, nine months. A former lieutenant in the Girls Life Brigade, Mrs Freeman received presents and cards, including a picture of the brownie group and a figurine of a tawny owl. She said: "It was a very sad day. I was in tears but hopefully I will be back to see them all very soon."

Picture: Win Freeman with Jemma Ibbotson (left) and Alison Duggan who presented her with gifts and cards