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

Ann Hill is retiring from teaching at Lickey End First School, in School Lane, after a successful career.

During her career she worked at six schools including 10 years at Ravensbank First School in Redditch, Blackwell First School as deputy headteacher for three years, and at Charford First School as a deputy headteacher for seven years.

Ann has been headteacher at Lickey End First School for 13 years and retired at the end of the last term.

She received various gifts and surprises organised by staff and pupils, including a special retirement celebration.

Ann said: "It has been an absolute privilege to be able to do this amazing job; to be creative, learn and apply new skills and deliver the best possible teaching.

"Teaching is very different from other jobs and is very special because of this - it’s colleagues who become friends that make the job and life special. We have a shared joy and pride in what we do.

"It is lovely to meet former pupils who have grown into confident and happy citizens of the future.

“Lickey End had everything I was seeking in a school; it’s a small school with a big heart which is at the centre of community which helps to enrich the school," she added.

Ann is looking forward to her retirement where she will able to put more time into her music, as she plays the piano and guitar and sings in a choir.

Julie Gibson from the school said Ann has passed her enthusiasm and skills to all the children she has taught, and would be very much missed by all the children, staff and Governors at the school.

Wendy Messenger, governors chairman, said: "Mrs Hill was a very caring colleague and friend to everyone.

"We thank her for her excellent leadership over the years and her expertise in leading the school’s development."