A LONG-serving secretary at Colwall Primary will bid an emotional farewell to the school today after 40 years of service.

Beth Clements has had a life-long connection with the school. She attended as a pupil, sent her own children there and joined the school staff in 1969.

Mrs Clements’ time at the school was celebrated with an afternoon of tea and cakes for her friends and family on Wednesday (May 20) and the whole school will say a fond farewell during a special assembly today (Friday).

Headteacher Paul Chambers said: “Beth is an institution here. She is a fount of knowledge about the school and its history, and regularly talks to the children about the village and the school and the people who have passed through.

“She is going to be greatly missed by all.”

Mrs Clements, who has lived in Colwall all her life, said: “It has been a very long association and a very enjoyable one.

“I feel very lucky to have had such a lovely job in a lovely school in a lovely village.”

Mrs Clements plans to use her retirement to devote more time to her garden, but will still be a regular visitor to the school.