THE children of Dormanstown Primary School are saying a fond farewell to a nursery teacher who has looked after local youngsters for more than three decades.

Margaret Armstrong, from Guisborough, has been a firm favourite with Dormanstown's youngest children and their parents since starting at the school's nursery in 1974.

Some of those she cared for are now bringing their own children to benefit from her care.

Jill Ransome, who attended the Dormanstown nursery in 1982, takes her four-year-old daughter, Kaya, to the nursery. On Tuesday they presented Mrs Armstrong with a bouquet of flowers.

The school is holding an assembly in Mrs Armstrong's honour today and is to throw a party early next week.

Jill said: "Margaret's been brilliant with the kids, but she's always been there for the parents too, to have a chat and offer advice. There are a lot of people in Dormanstown who are really going to miss her."

Mrs Armstrong said that she will spend her free time exploring the hills and carrying on her work with children in a voluntary role.