Mrs Russell joined St Mary Magdalene's Primary School in Wellfield Drive after bringing up her three children. She trained as a nursery nurse and has helped four and five-year-olds in the reception class.

Mrs Russell said she has "mixed feelings" about leaving but hopes to keep busy with exciting plans. "Obviously I'm very sad to be leaving and will miss the children and staff terribly but I am also looking forward to having a different life doing things I want to do." she said.

The nursery nurse, who lives in Ightenhill, will use her free time to visit her children, daughter Julia, who lives in Cardiff, daughter Justine, in London, and son Jonathan, in Burnley. She also has two grandchildren.

Mrs Russell said she hopes to devote more time to her hobby of playing the piano and travelling when her husband Michael retires next year.

Mrs Russell celebrated her retirement with a buffet for current and former members of staff at school.