THE retirement of a long-serving teacher has marked the end of an era spanning three decades at Greenmount Primary School.

Mrs Margaret McVittie has left the Holhouse Lane school after working there for the past 30 years.

And she received a fantastic farewell from colleagues and children on her final day.

Before coming to Greenmount, she had worked at two separate primaries, including Higher Lane in Whitefield.

Recalling her years at Greenmount, 65-year-old Mrs McVittie said: “I’ve seen a lot of changes in the time I’ve been here. It’s been an absolute privilege to work in a school like this in terms of the colleagues I’ve worked with and all the children, of course. I will miss them.

“During the past 30 years, it’s the children who have been the stars and the inspiration, really. If I’ve had a bad day or felt under the weather, then they’d always make me smile.”

The mother-of three, of Meadow Way, Tottington, plans to enjoy her retirement by travelling, walking and reading more. She will also be able to spend much more time with her family.