A VILLAGE stages a special show tonight as a farewell to a popular teacher, who is retiring this week after 25 years at the school.

The youngsters at North Cowton today are the children of some of Eileen Bruce's first pupils - and both generations are equally fond of the 60-year-old, who is planning to travel now she's has wiped the blackboard for the last time.

But first, she will be the guest of honour at a production of Alice in Wonderland at the school - which will be followed by a presentation ceremony.

Then tomorrow, the adults have their turn to bid her a fond farewell at a function in her honour at the village's Blacksmiths Arms.

Yesterday, headteacher Steve Bailey spoke highly of one of his most experienced members of staff, who he said will 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."