A SCHOOL secretary has retired after more than 22 years working at the same Darlington school.

Pamela Davison started work at Whinfield Infant School before it opened.

Since then, the 65-year-old has found herself looking after the children of those who were at the school when it opened in the late-1970s.

Mrs Davison was due to retire last September, but she was asked to stay on at the school because the headteacher was leaving.

The present headteacher, Sheila Williams, has only been at the school for five weeks but already she has discovered the impact Mrs Davison has made.

"Pamela was involved in the organisation surrounding the opening of the building, so she really does have a history with the school.

"She has seen four headteachers come and go and has been a part of the fabric of the school.

"Children, parents and staff alike will miss her very much."

Mrs. Davison had expressed an interest in a Dyson vacuum cleaner, so the staff have bought her one as a leaving gift, along with a piece of her favourite Lladro porcelain.