Pupils and teachers at the Burgess Hill school have named their re-developed wildlife garden after Mrs Davies to show how much they appreciate her loyal service.

She said: "I was touched and surprised. Mind you, if parents could see my own back garden they would see plenty of wildlife!"

Mrs Davies, who began working at the school in 1970, will have more time for gardening and is looking forward to travelling, reading and doing voluntary work.

She had a break from teaching in 1987 to become a mum and came back to St Wilfrid's as a reception teacher in 1992. For the last four years she has taken on the role of deputy head teacher.

Reflecting on her career, Mrs Davies said: "When I first started, education was more formal and we tended to have mixed age groups because the school was too small for year groups. Children are much more confident now and I think that's a good thing."

With a chuckle in her voice she added: "I'm now teaching the children of the children I used to teach and that can be a bit off-putting for mums and dads, but once they realise I'm not going to treat them as seven-year-olds again it's fine and we get on really well."

Mrs Davies is not saying goodbye to the school altogether; she plans to work from time to time as a supply teacher.

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