THE headteacher of the second oldest nursery in Britain is to retire after 40 years' service in education.

Pat Pennington, who has spent 23 years of her career at George Dent Nursery School, in Darlington, will step down next month.

She moved to the North-East from Scotland in the early 1980s, and in 1982 took the headteacher's post at George Dent. At that time, the school had full-time pupils and a caretaker living on the premises.

Looking back, Mrs Pennington said yesterday she has nothing but good memories of her time as headteacher.

"I can remember when I came through the door for the first time - I just felt very strongly that this was the place I wanted to be," she said.

"The people were lovely, the atmosphere was wonderful, and it has been that way ever since. I have to thank everyone - the children, the staff and the governors."

The nursery, which opened in 1917, is held in high regard by the local community.

George Dent has twice been named on the Ofsted chief inspector's list of outstanding schools, recognising the country's "best of the best" in education.

As a result of that success, Mrs Pennington was invited to a conference at Downing Street in 2001, and was one of 70 delegates from high-performing schools to be welcomed by the Prime Minister.

During her time as headteacher, outdoor learning became a key feature of the nursery's work and its vast garden area has become an invaluable resource, teaching children all about the natural world.

A storytelling chair, carved out of a copper beech tree, was created last year in memory of the late Winifred Tearne, a former governor and good friend of Mrs Pennington.

The nursery has also worked within the wider education community, as part of a cluster of schools including Abbey Infants and Juniors, Whinfield Juniors and Holy Family Primary.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "Forty years in teaching is a milestone to be immensely proud of.

"So much of the recent success of George Dent Nursery School has been due to Pat Pennington's commitment and enthusiasm for her vocation.

"We wish her all the very best."