GAZETTE & HERALD: Headteacher Lynda Karanjia said a fond farewell to Monkton Park Primary School in Chippenham, when she retired after 21 years at the helm.

Mrs Karanjia, of Queens Crescent, Chippenham, stepped down at the end of the term but she has plenty of plans for the future. She intends to devote her energies to art, yoga, Pilates, singing, and walking.

Her two decades at the school were celebrated at a ceremony when pupils recounted special memories of their headteacher.

Mrs Karanjia was presented with lots of art materials and a fluffy toy mole the mascot of the school.

She also received a cross stitch embroidery with all the names of the staff and depictions of the different curriculum areas and two splendid cakes made by parents.

Mrs Karanjia said: "I had 21 very happy years at Monkton Park, and it has gone by very quickly. I have many happy memories of being there we had some great fun."

She said she had enjoyed seeing how former pupils fared at secondary school and college, and later working in jobs in the area.

Wil Hulbert is currently acting headteacher at the school, and new headteacher Lisa Tudor, currently head of Crudwell School, will take over after Easter.