A TEACHER retired in style when her pupils waved her off in a limousine.

Catherine Stokes was given a royal send-off as she retired from Castle Hill School.

The head of the sixth-form has worked with children with special needs all her life.

And her hard-work and dedication was praised by staff and pupils as she said goodbye.

Teacher Sasha Styan said: “She is an absolutely fantastic teacher.

“She is always there for the students and really does want the best for them.

“Her aim is to develop their independence and give them as much help as she could to allow them to do that.

“She is a hard-working, conscientious teacher and what she puts in is over and above what is expected.”

Pupils at the school have been making cards for Mrs Stokes and she was presented with a bouquet of flowers during a special assembly.

But it was the final surprise that was the best – a chauffeur-driven limousine from school to her home.

Mrs Styan said: “The idea came because she organised our first graduation ceremony last year and hired a limo.

“We wanted to give her the best send off as we could and we thought this would be a great idea.”

Mrs Stokes worked at Castle Hill and at Highfield’s previously.

But Mrs Stokes is not leaving for good, she is determined to return as a volunteer and help the students.