A TEA-LOVING deputy headteacher thanked staff, parents and pupils as she retired after 27 years service.

Beverley Mann joined Goddard Park Community Primary School in 1990 after a chance meeting in her children’s school playground led to a job at the Park North school.

The teacher, who began her career in 1971, rose up the ranks – and for the last decade has had senior management roles at the school, including working on safeguarding.

After 27 years teaching in Swindon, she bade colleagues, pupils and parents goodbye this week at a special tea held in her honour.

“It was lovely. The children had done a lot of drawings and the staff in each class had made a cake. They called it ‘Bev’s Bakes’.

“Each cake was related to myself in some way. One was an Earl Grey cake, because I like my tea, and another was ‘sophisticated’.

The teacher thanked everyone who had made her feel 'so special': "I've been overwhelmed by all the cards, flowers, presents and best wishes from children, coleagues and parents."

Beverley, now 64, began teaching 46 years ago at a school in Kent.

“It was something I’d wanted to do since I was a child,” she said.

“It was the only thing I ever wanted to do.”

Asked how she felt about leaving, Beverley said: “It’s hard to put into words. In many ways, I’m looking forward to the future. But there are so many children, teachers and parents I’m going to miss.”

Mike Welsh, headteacher at the school, said: “Bev’s 27 years at Goddard Park has been a special time for hundreds - if not thousands – of our children. Her thought, care and guidance has changed the lives of many children and their parents for the better.

“Our children are safer due to her expertise and hard work. She will be missed by the whole school community – young and old.”

Beverley plans to take a holiday in Namibia with fellow teachers she met while volunteering in the African country.

She added: “I’m also going to be catching up with my garden – and doing all the other things you don’t get time to do when you’ve got a busy job.”