A SCHOOL secretary has retired after 30 years in the job.

Cynthia Hill has said farewell to staff and pupils at Richmond Methodist School.

But she has promised to keep in close touch with the school, where two of her grandchildren are pupils.

Mrs Hill, 63, of Maison Dieu, Richmond, started work at the school after moving to the area when she got married.

As well as running the administration of the 324-pupil school, she voluntarily helped out at sports days and evening events.

She said she was looking forward to attending performances and plays in the future, and said she had several holidays and weekends away planned.

Headteacher Jos Huddleston said: "Cynthia will be missed by us all as a colleague and a friend.

"In her 30 years at the school she has mixed integrity, sound judgement, high expectations and great expertise with kindness and humour. She leaves with our thanks, our love and every good wish for a long and happy retirement."