ONE of Darlington's longest-serving headteachers will retire after nearly 40 years' service to education.

Margaret Cunningham, head of Harrowgate Hill Infant School, is stepping down at the end of the summer term.

She began her career at Firthmoor Infant School, before moving to Mount Pleasant Primary School when it opened in 1966. After four years, she took time out to study for an advanced diploma at Cambridge University.

In 1971, Mrs Cunningham became deputy headteacher at Harrowgate Hill Infant School and later took over as headteacher, a position she has held for 18 years.

She said: "I have enjoyed my time here immensely. It has been so rewarding to work with a committed and enthusiastic team of people and to work with the children here, seeing them grow up and return with their children and even their grandchildren."

Mrs Cunningham will stay in Darlington, where she is a magistrate and director of Cleveland Children's Theatre Company.