A TEACHER who has been at the same school for 35 years has made an emotional farewell to pupils and staff.

Maria Hann started working at St Hild's Primary School, in Gilesgate, Durham, in 1984, as a newly qualified teacher and now leads the early years education team.

She said: "I just never wanted to leave. It's a huge family.

"People move on, but they never lose the thing they get here.

"There's something about this Gilesgate community. They're strong and caring and there are a lot of beautiful parents.

"They love this school and trust this school. Every child that walks through the gates gets the absolute best we can give."

Mrs Hann, whose two children both attended the school, is now retiring after teaching hundreds of children from the Gilesgate area.

She said a tearful goodbye to the school in a packed-out special assembly, which including giving her a video, put together by others teachers as a tribute to her hard work.

She is now looking forward to travelling with her husband and going on her first September holiday.

She added: "I now have lots of parents that I've taught. I thought it cant be far off from having grandparents that I've taught so it's a good time to go."

Headteacher Alex Ryder said: "She's dedicated, inspirational and a wonderful teacher. She's a big miss to the school and the whole community.

"Her impact is immeasurable."