A DEPUTY headteacher said a tearful farewell to her school when she retired after a 37-year career.

Diane Anderson has been a teacher at Lubbins Park Community Primary School, in May Avenue, Canvey, since 1987 and has been teaching on the island since 1976.

Pupils and staff came together on Friday to wish Mrs Anderson well at a special assembly.

Mrs Anderson said: “Over the years it’s been an honour and a privilege to work at a school where staff and parents work harder together to ensure children reach their full potential.

“After being a teacher on Canvey for 37 years it has been a very hard decision to retire, but it has been an absolute pleasure to help so many people from Canvey – even teaching the children of people I taught many years ago.”

Before Lubbins Park, Mrs Anderson taught at Cornelius Vermuyden School and the former Furtherwick Park School.

Headteacher Jon Hann said: “Mrs Anderson has served the children of Lubbins Park Primary School with dedication for 27 years and will be sorely missed by us all. We wish her a happy and well earned retirement.”