STAFF and pupils at Rake Primary School this week said a fond farewell to teaching assistant Sandra Thacker, after almost 10 years of service.

Sandra has been at the village school since 2000 and left on Monday to enjoy some well-earned time out.

Monday was her last day in the classrooms and she was presented with a plant for her garden and a gift voucher. In the school's end-of-year service at St Luke's Church, she received a bouquet of flowers.

On behalf of staff and pupils, a school spokesman said: "She has been a long-standing member of staff and both staff and children have appreciated her years of service at the school."