A FERRYHILL teacher who has become as much a part of the community as the school has retired after 30 years.

Yesterday, Christine Earl spent an emotional last day at Dean Bank Primary School, where she has spent the majority of her teaching career.

Former headmaster John Denham, who retired last year, joined present headteacher Chris Young in wishing Mrs Earl a happy retirement during an assembly.

Mrs Earl has played an integral part in developing music in the school, running the choir, percussion group and recorder group.

She has directed and performed in numerous concerts and has taken the choir to several carol services in the community.

The choir has also performed in residential homes and for other organisations in Ferryhill, as well as in Newcastle and the MetroCentre, Gateshead.

As part of her legacy, Mrs Earl is leaving behind an achievement trophy and a Bible for each class.

Mr Young said: "She is going to be greatly missed by the staff, pupils and people in the local community.

"In this day and age, teachers who give up so much of their spare time and do so much for the community are few and far between."