Caretaker Joyce Ryde, 67, has been a part of life in Kirkby Fleetham CE Primary School for 29 years. She was presented with a bunch of flowers by headteacher Vicki Farby, to go with a long service award from her employer, North Yorkshire County Council.
In her time Mrs Ryde has seen four headteachers come and go and over the years her duties have included supervising meal deliveries and being the school cook. She is also a lunchtime supervisor in the playground.
She plans to retire at the end of the school year. "I have loved being here," she said. "It has been a home from home and everybody has been so helpful and kind."
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