THE end of an era has come for a playgroup which has been supporting children with special needs.

Last week saw the final day of the BUDS special needs playscheme at Finchingfield Village Hall.

The scheme was made official in 1999 but had beforehand been running in Witham.

Since being at Finchingfield the scheme has offered respite playschemes for children between four and 12 in rural areas around the district.

At it's peak BUDS achieved an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating in 2009.

Linda Turner, one of the founding members, had to leave the group for personal reasons and unfortunately there was no one to take on her role.

Ms Turner, 65, from Braintree Road in Great Bardfield, said: "It was such a shame, there have been many tears shed over this.

"We took on 12 children a day so they could have one to one care- we played with them and took them on outings as they were just as inquisitive as any other child.

"They used to love playing with shaving foam or walking to the pond to feed the ducks- it's been a privilege and an honour.

"The parents allowed us to have their children and it was very humbling, we didn't realise how much we took for granted.

"Whatever we gave we got back from the children and there will be some fantastic memories, it was like an extended family."

BUDS had their final day Boydell's Farm in Wethersfield where 50 children, parents, staff, volunteers and committee members gathered together to celebrate.

There was a tour of the farm followed by a picnic and music by Cheeky Chimps.

All four founder members, Linda Turner, Claire Keyes, Jane Childs and Paula Hayes where also there to help cut a BUDS logo cake alongside Liz Hagon who inspired them to form all those years ago.