AFTER spending 43 years educating youngsters at a Kates Hill primary school, deputy headteacher Sue Hanning has bid a fond farewell.

The 64-year-old retired from St Edmund and St John CE Primary School on Friday (July 17).

A number of ex-pupils, including Dudley North MP Ian Austin, returned to the Beechwood Road school to attend her leaving assembly.

Mr Austin, who was taught by Mrs Hanning back in the seventies, said: “I was delighted to be able to go back to my old school and pay tribute to Sue’s contribution to generations of children in Dudley.

“I think we should do much more to praise the work of brilliant teachers like Sue who do their best for every child they teach.”

The Revd Canon Andrew Wickens, chairman of governors, added: "Mrs Hanning is known to generations of parents and grandparents who've benefited from her teaching in the Kates Hill community over many years.

"We as governors want to wish her every blessing for the future and a fulfilled and happy retirement."

Mrs Hanning, who lives in Bridgnorth, said she had thoroughly enjoyed her time at the school but was looking forward to "cheaper holidays" and having time to work on her family tree.