Former Pytchley CofE Primary School pupil Lewis Ferguson congratulates Teaching Assistant Deidre Porter.

Pytchley Endowed CofE Primary School students and staff have bid a fond farewell to Mrs Deidre Porter, who is retiring as a teaching assistant after being with the school in Kettering since 1999.

Mrs Porter, who first began working at Pytchley as a lunchtime supervisor 18 years ago, said that she was overwhelmed after pupils marked her achievements with a special afternoon of fun and games.

She was also surprised by some of her former students who called in to say goodbye.

“Deidre has brought a special kind of magic to our school,” said Head Teacher, Julia Havlickova.

“Over the last few years she added to her role by becoming our Breakfast Club supervisor, and has always greeted the children with a warm welcome each morning.

“Deidre will be sadly missed, but assures us she will be back as one of our volunteer readers to continue helping our students flourish. We all wish her a very happy retirement.”