DIANE Chaplow has stepped down as chair of governors at Milnthorpe Primary School.

The school announced that she had provided strong and determined leadership as a so-called critical friend of the head teacher. Over her 20 years on the governing body she was involved with the recruitment of three head teachers and countless members of staff.

Her contribution to the school is beyond measure. She helped it get through four Ofsted inspections. The number of children grew from 112 to 194 during her time as chair. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Milnthorpe Children's Centre.

Diane is staying on as a governor but the chair is now being taken by Julie Mulinga who has served on the body for the last eight years.