A GWENT school is bidding farewell to a member of staff after 39 years.

Nursery nurse Janet Hitchings started working at Duffryn Infants School in 1978.

She has been working for Newport education authority since 1974 when she started as a nursery nurse at Bolt Street School before moving to Duffryn Infants School when it opened.

She taught foundation phase children aged three to five.

Miss Hitchings, from Newport, had her last day at the school yesterday.

She said: “I’m excited now it’s happening. When I first thought about retiring I didn’t want it, but now I feel the time is right. I’m 62 and that’s long enough.

“I’m not sure what’s next. I’ll take one day at a time, do what I want when I want.”

When asked about her favourite parts of her work Miss Hitchings said the staff and children come top of the class.

She said: “The staff have just been marvellous. They’re supportive, they’re caring and absolutely everyone gets on with each other. It’s a lovely place to work.

“It’s all about the children. The children keep you going, if you ever feel down they lift your spirits. Seeing them achieve is a lovely thing. They come into school not being able to read or write and they come in and can do all those things so it’s wonderful.

“I think I have seen three generations of children go through the school. I’m now teaching children of past pupils at the school. I’m quite familiar with the families, there’s a nice bond there.

She added: “Quite a few are shocked when they come to the school for the first time with their children and see me there and they remember me teaching them. I will miss the company and the children with their little ways.”