IT wasn’t just the end of the academic year at Hillside Primary School Newsome, but the end of an era.

Foundation stage co-ordinator, Mrs Hilary Scholes, bade a fond farewell to children, staff and parents after almost four decades of teaching.

She began her teaching career at Birkby I & N School, after completing her training at Culham College, Berkshire, where she met her husband Mike. She moved to Stile Common I & N School 25 years ago and then to Hillside Primary School, when it amalgamated with Stile Common Junior School in 2009.

She said: “I’ve always felt a special attachment for this school. All my children came here, so my involvement began before I started teaching here.”

Staff at Hillside organised a surprise party to mark her retirement, inviting former colleagues and members of Honley Ladies’ Choir, of which Hilary is a member. Headteacher, Mrs Dawn Horton, described Mrs Scholes as “a legend in her own lifetime” as she presented her with several gifts, including membership of the National Trust, kitchen equipment, an RHS course, spa voucher, jewellery and a mosaic planter from the children.