Kirkby resident Tracey Darrington started working at the town’s Greenwood Primary and Nursery School shortly after her young son joined. Now, 23 years later, Tracey has said goodbye to the school.

Latterly a higher-level teaching assistant in Foundation One, she started in year 6 and worked her way down through the years to Foundation.

Tracy said: “I have mixed feelings. I am happy that I will be able to spend more time with my family, but sad to be leaving all of my friends.

“I will miss the children so much because I love being with them, and I will miss my friends on the staff.

“I particularly loved working with the youngest children because it’s a great opportunity to give them a good start.”

Head teacher Kim Tucker added: “She has taught nearly every pupil in school and most of their parents too! Tracey has supported children and many families in their child’s first years at school and has made a difference to every one of them.”