THEY have given 3425 years of care to Glasgow.

And now 137 Cordia workers from across the city have been officially honoured for 25 years service each with the organisation.

Home carer Mary Wright was the 1000th employee to marked her silver jubilee.

Mary, from Dennistoun, is out of hours home carer says she loves her job and she knows all her patients very well.

The 60-year-old said: "I love seeing them smile and the best part is knowing that I makes a difference to their lives.

"Cordia is like a family to me and the years have flown past. When I got my letter, I thought, '25 years! Is that how long it’s been?’"

Award recipients were given a medal to mark their dedication and enjoyed a three-course meal at Glasgow City Chambers.

Andy Clark, Cordia’s director of service, hosted the occasion, presenting each attendee with their gong.

He said: "The annual Long Service Awards are an excellent way to show our appreciation to the hard-working staff we have at Cordia.

“This year, an incredible 137 employees will take their place on the podium for a combined 3425 of years’ service.

"It’s great to have the opportunity to thank them individually for their ongoing commitment to Cordia."

He added: “The activity which this organisation undertakes throughout the city is absolutely vital for many of the people who live here - whether that’s a child being safely-guided across the road by a crossing- patroller or an elderly individual getting nightly visits from a home-care team.

“On behalf of everyone at Cordia I’d like to congratulate each one of our long-service team members and it’s an honour to commend them for their contribution to the city.”

Gillian McLellan, from Ralston in Paisley is a Catering Manager at Cordia and is currently working at Rosshall Academy.

Gillian says she loves working in schools, as she gets to know the kids.

She said: “They are great at giving feedback on the meals …even when you haven’t asked for it.”

Gillian says she gets great job satisfaction from work and prides herself on listening to the pupils.

The 51-year-old added: “We have a boy who has been recently diagnosed as coeliac so his mum is coming in to meet with me next week to find out what we can do to help.

"We’ll be ensuring there’s always an option on the menu for him.”

This year marks the ninth Long Service Awards, with 1015 members of staff being recognised in total for their time with Cordia.