A beloved Bishop Auckland teacher has expressed "mixed emotions" after she retired last week after 47 years of service at the same school.

65-year-old Mandy Wallis first joined Victoria Lane Academy, then known as Coundon County Infant School in 1977 - when she was just 19.

In that time, she has become part of the furniture at the school, shown by an emotional yet upbeat party which was held in her honour at the school on the last day of term (July 19).

Mandy Wallis, 65, who is retiring after 47 years with pupils.Mandy Wallis, 65, who is retiring after 47 years with pupils. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Following her long career, which included teaching now acclaimed Dragon's Den star Sara Davies, as well as generation after generation of children, she's saying school's out - forever.

Mandy told The Northern Echo: "I always did want to get into childcare. So when I left school at 16, I went to Durham College and my first placement ages 16 was at Coundon County Infants then.

"I did a year at the nursery, and another year at Stephenson Way Infant School. Then, when I qualified as a nursery nurse, the teacher who helped train me came and asked me to do some maternity cover.

Mandy Wallis, 65, who is retiring after 47 years.Mandy Wallis, 65, who is retiring after 47 years. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"I said yes - and had already put in an application to work there. Eventually, I got the job and never looked back since!"

In the last few weeks, Mandy has been overwhelmed with well wishes and kind words - and now has a home filled with flowers.

Pictures showed some of the smiling students and fellow teachers gathered at her leaving party on Friday, saying one final goodbye before term ended.

She added: "My favourite thing about being a teacher has just been being able to nurture these children and see them grow - going from class to class until they reach secondary school.

"As they get older, they still keep in contact with us. We have had students become business owners, solicitors and teachers too. It's lovely to think I helped plant the seeds.

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"It's been really mixed emotions getting ready to retire. Everyone has been bringing me presents saying that I'll be missed and whoever comes next has big shoes to fill.

"They say, you're going to be one big miss!"

Now she's saying goodbye to her career, her plans are to "take it easy" and do things like baking but she is also planning to take a holiday to Tenerife to visit a friend.