PARENTS and children at a village primary school have publicly thanked a headteacher who has retired after 31 years of service.

Pupils at Sacriston Primary School, near Chester-le-Street, have created drawings, and flowers have been bought for Lesley Farnaby.

She stood down at the start of term following an unsettled period at the school, amid problems surrounding its management.

A collections was held by parents, many of whom were also taught by Miss Farnaby, to show their gratitude for her dedication over the decades.

Aaron Walker, who has a nine-year-old son at the school, said: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Miss Farnaby for 25 years since attending nursery at the school.

“She has always been very passionate and was a great role model for children to look up to.”

Sacriston Primary School was formed two years ago following the merger of Sacriston Nursery and Infant School and Sacriston Junior School, but the governors were replaced with an interim executive body in April after concerns over the running of the unified school were raised.

Rachel Gardiner, whose son attends, said: “It’s very sad to see her leave.”