Teaching assistant steps down after 33 years

AFTER 33 years at Studlands Rise School in Royston, teaching assistant Ann Thompson has retired – and she did it in style. Mrs Thompson has been involved at the school since it opened in 1974. More than 70 people attended a surprise retirement party or

AFTER 33 years at Studlands Rise School in Royston, teaching assistant Ann Thompson has retired - and she did it in style.

Mrs Thompson has been involved at the school since it opened in 1974.

More than 70 people attended a surprise retirement party organised by her colleagues and on Friday a special presentation took place during a school assembly.

Mrs Thompson said: "It was a lovely surprise.

"My family were all there as well as lots of familiar faces from the school.

"I'm a big Cliff Richard fan, so a group of my colleagues got dressed up and dragged me onto the stage to join them in a rendition of Living Doll."

One of the singers was reception class teacher Pat Morritt, who has worked with Mrs Thompson for 20 years.

She said: "She has been such a huge help to me and the children. She'll turn her hand to anything and has always been there to assist the pupils. We're going to miss her a lot."

Mrs Thompson's own children were among the first to attend Studlands Rise.

She said "I'm going to particularly miss all the special occasions like dressing up days, sports days and school plays. It's such a lovely place and we've had a lot of fun over the years."

Having received garden furniture as a leaving gift, Mrs Thompson is looking forward to enjoying her garden during her retirement. She got a new bike for her birthday so also plans to do more cycling.

She joked: "My colleagues have even given me some very fetching Lycra shorts to wear when I'm on my bike.