A POPULAR village teacher bid a fond farewell to the school where she has taught for 25 years.

Eileen Bruce has taught two generations of youngsters at North Cowton School, but when the school bell went last Friday she walked away for the last time.

In appreciation of her hard work, the school staged a show on Wednesday night of last week where she was the guest of honour. A presentation ceremony followed.

The following evening it was the adults' turn to wish her a happy retirement at a function held in her honour at the village's Blacksmiths Arms.

The 60-year-old, who plans to travel, will be greatly missed. Steve Bailey, head teacher said she would be difficult to replace.

"She has given two generations of children a good start in life," he said. "She is everything you expect in a teacher and both parents and pupils have been telling me how much they will miss her."