A MUCH loved secretary has bid an emotional farewell to colleagues and students after leaving the Wolverley school she has worked at for 34 years.

Jean Hunt, who has served under six different headteachers during her time at Heathfield School, is looking forward to putting her feet up and also pursuing her favourite hobbies of gardening and rambling.

She received a host of parting gifts before answering her last call on Friday, including flowers, chocolates and champagne.

Mrs Hunt, who also plans to spend more time with her two grandchildren, was handed three cards signed by every pupil and a framed roll call picture to mark the occasion.

The 67-year-old said the number of presents and messages given to her by well-wishers from the past and present had been "quite overwhelming".

She explained: "It has been a really nice week and I will miss the school but I am looking forward to putting my feet up now. The surprise party came as a real shock. I only thought I was going out with two colleagues and there ended up being 62 people there.

"When I started at the school it was a boys only boarding school for pupils aged eight and above. Now it has boys and girls from three months old right up to students taking their GCSE exams, so quite a lot has changed but the one thing I like is that it has remained traditional."

Deputy head, Ian Wilson, who has been a colleague of Mrs Hunt's for more than 30 years, said everyone at the school was sad to see her go.

He added: "She has a wonderful rapport with the children and recognises old pupils when they come back to the school to say hello. She really does have an amazing memory.

"Mrs Hunt's dedication to the job has sometimes gone beyond the call of duty. She will be greatly missed but everyone here hopes she enjoys her retirement."