PUPILS, staff and governors at a primary school have said farewell to their secretary.

Jean Gardner, who is 65 today, has retired from Willington Primary School after 33 years' service.

When she started the job she juggled work at four schools, Willington Juniors, Willington Infants, Sunnybrow Primary and Oakenshaw Primary, which closed in the mid-1970s.

She said: "I've really enjoyed my work because they've all been friendly schools with lovely children."

Mrs Gardner, who has two daughters and a grandson, Ben Emerson, 13, said she and her husband, Alan, 63, planned to spend time travelling, including back-packing to South Africa, where they have adopted a school to raise funds for.

Mrs Gardner has also enrolled for an AS-level course in French and is learning proof-reading.

Headteacher Maggie Griffiths said: "Jean has been a rock for the school through its many changes and is popular with everyone. She's been a confidant for children and adults, always been supportive and nothing has ever been too much as far as the school has been concerned."