All smiles from Tina Jones and daughters Kira and Kirsty

—A NURSERY owner who has been looking after children for more than 40 years has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
—Tina Jones, aged 60, was appointed MBE for services to Childcare and Early Learning in Denbighshire after running Prestatyn’s Tiny Tots nursery for more than 40 years.
—Mrs Jones, a former Prestatyn High School pupil who has lived in the town all her life, has served on Prestatyn Town Council since 2012. She said: “I’m elated, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing. It is fabulous, I am so proud. This is our 44th year at Tiny Tots.“I would like to thank the person who nominated me, I don’t know who it is.”
—Mrs Jones, owner and manager of the nursery based on Meliden Road which opened in October 1972, says ‘thousands’ of children have passed through the nursery over the years and said grand- children of previous atten- dees are now being looked after.
She said: “We are on to the third generation of children now and I’m looking forward to more years at Tiny Tots. “A nursery gives parents reassurance that their children are in a safe, caring and happy environment.”
“Without the staff, past and present, I wouldn’t be here, they support me so much.”
—Mrs Jones’ daughter Kirsty works full time at the nursery while daughter Kira, a mobile beauty therapist, also lends a hand at the family-run business.
She will receive her award at Buckingham Palace from a prominent member of the royal family within the next seven months. Mrs Jones, added: “I’m looking forward to going and I will be taking my daughters with me.”
—Mrs Jones has been a National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Trustee for more than 20 years and is a quality assessor for the NDNA’s accreditation scheme, E-QC.