A POLISH teaching assistant is heading home after a year working in a Darlington school.

Marta Wojcik, 22, has worked at Alderman Leach Primary School, West Park, since the end of September.

She is at university in Poland and came to England on a gap year. On her final day on Thursday, pupils presented her with gifts, including a red England shirt with her surname printed on the back.

Miss Wojcik said: "This has been my first major stay in England, and my first major encounter with English culture - and I enjoyed it a lot.

"I didn't know a great deal about the North-East but I knew it had a great heritage. I imagined it to be very atmospheric and it is.

"I will most of all miss the children, but one day I hope to come back. I would like to stay but I have to complete my university degree."

Alderman Leach has a number of Polish pupils.

Miss Wojcik lived in Darlington during her stay, in the home of Adam Gosiewski, The Northern Echo's Polish columnist.

Miss Wojcik would like to thank Mr Gosiewski for his help.