CHILDREN at a Newton Aycliffe school have said goodbye to a member of staff who is leaving after 24 years service.

Margaret Willis has worked as a lunchtime supervisor, clerical assistant and, more recently, a classroom assistant at Vane Road Primary School.

She has also been treasurer of the school's Storysack and has arranged donations from organisations in Aycliffe.

Known as the "Vane Road legend", Mrs Willis began her association with the school when her children, Ian and Judith, were pupils there.

Mrs Willis will not be leaving the school completely. She will be continuing her popular after-school craft club for year six children and will continue to serve as a school governor.

Pupils presented Mrs Willis with flowers, chocolates and other leaving gifts at a school assembly.

Headteacher Sue Collier said: "She will be greatly missed because she has been everybody's friend.