A HEAD teacher of 17 years has bid an emotional farewell to pupils at the Latchford school she once studied at.

Julie Johnson is retiring from her position at Our Lady's Catholic Primary School, on Wash Lane, following what has been described by staff as an 'inspirational' career.

A picnic with pupils and papal blessing took place to celebrate the 56-year-old's tenure.

Mrs Johnson said it was always her intention to leave this year but admits it will be difficult getting accustomed to life away from the staff and children.

"It has been an honour and privilege to have been here for this amount of time," she said.

"The best thing about it has been the relationships which have been developed at the school between pupils, staff and parents – there has been a strong core.

"I always planned to go at this point and following the Ofsted inspection in March, which went really well, I feel the school is in a really good place.

"But I have to say that the bar just keeps on raising, everyone is doing such a good job here."