IT was the end of an era at Sprites Infant School on the last day of term when head teacher Margaret Walker retired after 20 years at the school.But pupils, parents and staff at the school, on Stonechat Road, Chantry, made sure that she made a stylish exit.

IT was the end of an era at Sprites Infant School on the last day of term when head teacher Margaret Walker retired after 20 years at the school.

But pupils, parents and staff at the school, on Stonechat Road, Chantry, made sure that she made a stylish exit.

A stretch limousine, lent to the school by one of the pupil's parents, was waiting outside her home to escort her to a special retirement event held at the Belstead Brook.

Mrs Walker, 57, said: "They made me feel like a Queen. It was a lovely night out."

In a special assembly on Friday morning she was presented with a set of garden furniture and a Royal Doulton ornament, named A New Dawn.

She added: "If I could have planned my time here it could not have been any better. It is always light, comfortable and welcoming and there are always lots of smiling faces."

Deputy-head Christine Matthews, who will be the acting as head teacher until a replacement is found, said: "She will be sorely missed by the staff, children, parents and governors."

"She has achieved an awful lot in her time here. The school has been transformed since she started here."

It is clear that she is equally as popular among the pupils, who are aged between three and seven.

Tia Osborne, seven, said: "Mrs Walker is so kind. I will be really sad when she leaves. We have been making cards for her and we had a special assembly this morning."

Robbie Cattermole, seven said: "I gave her a card and she liked it a lot I think. We will remember her because we will be leaving at the same time to go to junior school."