CLASSROOM assistant June Taylor said her farewell to staff and pupils at the village school where she has worked for almost 30 years.

The 61-year-old grandmother is due to retire today after devoting 27 years of her life to helping children at Tylers Green First School, in School Road, Penn.

She will be missed by staff and pupils, who have got used to her helping out at the school for more than a quarter of a decade.

Headteacher Beryl Chapman said: 'We will all miss June very much. She has a vast knowledge of the school.

'She must have bathed thousands of grazed knees over the years.'

Mrs Taylor, of Kings Ride, Tylers Green, joined the school in 1973 as a midday supervisor.

She spent 12 years helping out on serving school dinners and keeping an eye on youngsters in the playground during break times.

She moved up the career ladder to her current job as classroom assistant where, for 15 years, she has been involved in general classroom duties, such as listening to children read and helping with art work.

Mrs Taylor, who has worked with four headteachers, was also in charge of first-aid for a number of years.

Mrs Taylor's two daughters, Kerry Ricks and Judy Wheeler, and one of her three grandchildren have also attended the school. Her grandson James Ricks, five, is currently at the school.

Mrs Taylor said: 'The children change with each intake. They are very different and glad to have our help. Working in the community has been very enjoyable and I have enjoyed my years here.'