STAFF and children have been saying goodbye to a much-loved member of staff at Penketh South Primary School.

Teaching assistant Carol Lewis has worked at the school for 27 years before she announced last Thursday would be her final day before retiring.

The Finlay Avenue school held a special assembly for the Penketh grandmother where she was presented with a bouquet.

Angela Grace, head teacher, said: “She will be sorely missed and will be leaving a hole.

“She’s fantastic with the children and they are going to really miss her too.

“Carol loved working in the garden with the children, she’s very creative and has a lovely sense of humour.”

Carol hopes to spend more time with her grandchildren during retirement as well as visiting her son who lives in Canada.