ALMELEY Primary School bade a fond farewell to a familiar face this term when administrator Marian Abley retired after 26 years.

Staff and pupils held a special school picnic at their annual sports day in honour of the occasion.

Headteacher Dorrie Coates said she was glad the sun shone for a colleague who became an ‘integral part of the school’ and celebrated many good times there, but also joined the fight for survival when the school was threatened with closure in 1998.

“During her time at Almeley, Marian has seen 329 children through their primary education and could tell you something about every child,” Ms Coates said.

Marian now leaves the school at a time of growth and with the building of new administration offices and a classroom for key stage 1 imminent.

She hopes to spend the extra time with her husband and grandchildren, and also exploring National Trust properties after family membership of the organisation was received as a parting gift.