SUTTON Veny Primary School's longest-serving member of staff has retired after 27 years.

Dinner lady Jenny Pyke served her last meal on September 27.

Mrs Pyke said: "I am very sad.

"I shall miss the children the most.

"On my first day of not going in to school it felt really strange waking up and thinking, 'I don't have to go in today'."

Mrs Pyke decided to retire after turning 60 this year.

A celebratory assembly was held in honour of Mrs Pyke, where she was given cards, flowers and other gifts.

Many of the children stood up and said words of thanks while giving Mrs Pyke her farewell cards.

She will also be going out for a farewell meal with the staff later in the month.

Christine Folker, who has been head teacher at the school for 15 years, said: "She'll be very difficult to replace.

"She's been with us for such a long time and she'll be dearly missed by everybody at the school."