PUPILS at a Bromsgrove school have said a fond farewell to their popular headteacher.

Jan Evans has decided to retire from teaching after a successful career that has lasted nearly four decades.

It began at Frogmill Middle School in 1978. From there, she moved on to teach at Crown Meadow First School in Alvechurch and Foley Park First School and Nursery in Kidderminster.

Her final move was to become headteacher at Stoke Prior First School, where she has been based for the past 17 years.

She has overseen a successful period at the Ryefields Road-based school - last September it being judged outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

Mrs Evans said: “I have loved working at Stoke Prior.

"I know each and every child and I have always been ambitious for them.

"They leave Stoke Prior achieving their very best, equipped to navigate along their path through middle school and beyond. It has been my privilege to help and guide them and to lead such a fantastic staff team.

"I shall miss the children, my colleagues, parents and governors and wish the school every success.”

On her last day Mrs Evans enjoyed various surprises organised by staff and the children.

“How they kept things secret is amazing, but they did - I have had a wonderful final day with very special memories to keep,” she added.

The school's new headteacher, Leigh Satchwell, is taking up the post in September.