An inspirational woman who has helped transform the lives of Largs children with autism received a special send-off on her retirement earlier this month.

Local families hosted held a surprise party to thank their 'hero' Joan Nicoll, who works as a home visiting teacher throughout North Ayrshire.
Joan, who was North Ayrshire Achieves Customer Excellence winner in 2016, was highly praised for her wisdom, expertise and unfaltering support to local families.
Speaking to the 'News', mum Joanna Skelton said: "I'd first like to explain that I have three children with autism who are now 15. 12 and 10. It's been a long hard journey and it feels like over the years I have battled for acceptance and inclusion for my children.
"When my youngest son was going through the diagnosis for autism life was hard. Matthew was a happy baby who would smile and loved cuddles but he could not communicate. 
"With the local nursery being unable to meet his needs they sent in Joan.
"Talk about sending in the cavalry, she understood him , she went above and beyond to help our family , she spent quality time with me and helped me understand more about Matthew's condition and above all else she offered us hope. She helped us access specialist services and she reached Matthew on a level I had never seen before.
"Joan has been my inspiration when caring for my family , especially when my other two children were later diagnosed. She has inspired me to learn more about autism and to provide support to others.
"Joan is my hero; she will have no idea how much she means to my family and what she means to Matthew. He has not seen her for eight years but he still sings the songs that they sang together.
"Joan's retirement is well deserved, but I can't help but feel that the autism community is losing one of our biggest allies and unsung heroes."
Mum Elaine Lewis said: "When my son Zac was diagnosed with autism age three, Joan was our lifeline. He had very little communication, became anxious easily and struggled to follow simple instructions. Joan didn't go the extra mile to help Zac, she went an extra million miles. Joan once said to me, "Elaine, I have been doing this job for a long time and I feel confident that Zac will get on 'just great' as time goes on. At the time this was hard to believe but my son Zac is now nine years old, he talks non stop, he smiles, he laughs and although he still has his struggles he is indeed doing 'just great'. We as family couldn't thank Joan anymore for her unfaltering support. Her wisdom and expertise helped us more than she could ever realise.
"I don't doubt she will have had a positive impact on every child and family she has ever seen throughout her extensive career. She will be greatly missed by many."