PLAYTIME is over for Annette Heath who has taught the tots at Calne's Guthrie Nursery School for 22 years.

It was a tearful end to the fairytale but after reading Rapunzel to the children for two decades she decided she wanted to let down her hair and take early retirement.

Mrs Heath, of Rochdale Avenue, Calne, is looking forward to the break but will miss the children.

She said: "I shall miss the company and I will dearly miss the children. They keep you feeling young."

Mrs Heath first became interested in working at nursery school when her two daughters began going to Guthrie. She took courses in nursery education and when a job for nursery supervisor arose she snapped it up.

She estimates 1,000 children from Calne have been to her nursery classes through the years, including her own grandchildren.

But she knew it was time to go when she realised the children she started teaching in 1980 were bringing their children to school.

Mrs Heath said: "I often recognise children I have taught in the town or at school. They always come and speak to me. I felt I was getting a bit old and the nursery needed someone with a little more energy. But I've loved every minute of my time here."

Guthrie School headteacher Mary Smith said: "She's done sterling work at the nursery and I can quite understand why she needs a break and some time to put her feet up."