Grateful pupils at Five Lanes Primary School in Potterne made a surprise visit to thank volunteer Jose Jousiffe who has retired after 20 years.

Mrs Jousiffe, 75, had gone into the school (and previously when it was Potterne Primary School) once a week to listen to the children reading.

The youngsters, aged between four and seven, together with staff visited Mrs Jousiffe’s house in Blackberry Lane to deliver a bouquet of flowers and a card they had made.

Michelle Philpott, admin officer at the school, said: “The children have enjoyed Jose coming into class to work with them and they wanted to say a special thank you.”

Mrs Jousiffe, who has two grandchildren, said: “I loved going in and listening to the children read and to see them progress as the weeks and months go by.”