Tributes were paid yesterday to a teacher who has devoted more than four decades to one school.

Judith Burtt retired from Abbey Junior School, Darlington, where she has taught thousands of pupils over the past 43 years.

Mrs Burtt was known to most of the youngsters as Miss Kent, before her recent marriage to Hurworth councillor Roderick Burtt.

She was awarded the MBE for services to education in 2000, the first teacher in Darlington to receive the honour since the council became a unitary authority in 1997.

Headteacher George Ford praised Mrs Burtt, saying much of the school's original philosophy and ethos came from her.

"She epitomises that and has done for a long time. She has a unique ability to be able to relate to children," he said.

"She's just a great person and totally committed to Abbey. Children come back here on numerous occasions to look round the school, but particularly to say hello to her."

Youngsters staged a production of Bugsy Malone this week, dedicated to Mrs Burtt.

Staff and parents have also been saying a fond farewell.