A Houston nursery has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of its achievements.

Abbey Nursery, in South Street, is one of three early learning centres in the running for the 'Nursery of the Year - Scotland' category at this year's National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Awards.

Jennifer McLaughlin, manager of the nursery, said staff and pupils were "delighted and really excited" to be nominated.

The Gazette:

She told The Gazette: "It's the first time we have ever been shortlisted for something like this.

"It's so nice to see this recognition for the staff because they really are going above and beyond in their work.

"I've been the manager for eight years and this has been one of the highlights of my career so far."

For Abbey Nursery to be shortlisted, both written and photographic evidence had to be submitted to judges by staff, with a site visit recently carried out ahead of the awards ceremony in Birmingham on June 9.

The Gazette:

The nursery has been able to showcase its many recent achievements, such as being named Most Nurturing Childcare Centre in Renfrewshire at the 2022 Scottish Enterprise Awards.

Last year, Abbey Nursery received its 12th consecutive annual Eco-Schools Scotland award after being led by the same member of staff who ensured the business achieved all of its six Green Flag Awards since 2011.

Pupils at the nursery have also collected bronze, silver and gold RSPB Go Wild Badges, which aim to help children to connect with and learn about nature.

The Gazette:

All these achievements have been praised by Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don, who tabled a parliamentary motion last month to congratulate staff and pupils on their success.

On top of all this, the nursery has raised more than £3,400 for a number of charities over the past year.

This has included activities such as the children taking part in a 'welly waddle' to show their support for teacher Jade Crawford, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in April 2022.

Several staff at the nursery recently took part in a charity firewalk to raise funds for St Vincent's Hospice, in Howwood.

The Gazette:

Several employees also volunteer at local homeless charities by collecting toys, food, and clothes and donating these to those in need in their spare time.

Jennifer added: "We don't ask them to do that, it's just something they've wanted to do themselves, which is fantastic.

"It's lovely to see that they've got the initiative to do that to help their local community."