A HOLME Valley head teacher has bid farewell to her pupils after 16 years.

Susan Horsley, 55, celebrated her retirement from Wooldale Junior School by holding a fun afternoon.

Mrs Horsley, who lives in Netherthong, has spent 35 years in teaching.

She taught at schools in South Yorkshire before becoming deputy head at Holmfirth Junior and Infant School.

She then took up her role as head at Wooldale.

She decided to retire early to pursue a range of new hobbies and opportunities.

She said: “I am sad to go but it was the right thing to do for the school and for myself.

“I am looking forward to picking up some new hobbies and having time to reflect.”

Deputy head Liz Woodfield will take over as acting head teacher from September.