A MUCH-LOVED school cleaner has put down her mop for the last time, retiring from Holy Family Catholic Primary after 35 years.

Anna Gordon was presented with flowers, gifts and a certificate of appreciation from the Diocese of Swindon, signed by Bishop Declan Long, at a leaving assembly at the Park North school.

“I didn’t expect anything like that,” said the 76-year-old, whose daughter and grandson attended the celebrations.

“It was truly lovely. One child in every class brought up scrapbook of memories and handed it to me. By the end I couldn’t stop crying.

“It’s been an absolutely lovely place to work, not just a job but like a second home,” she added.

Anna joined the school after moving to Swindon from Glasgow and has worked there since.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes and alterations over the years, all for the better,” she said.

During her time at the school Anna spent three years working as a kitchen assistant.

“When I first started they didn’t have all the machines they have now – nothing was modernised, but I loved it,” she added.

“My favourite time of year at the school was always Christmas.

"There was always a lot going on, the different activities, children’s carols and all that. It was really good.

“It’s a close-knit school, everybody gets involved in everything,” added Anna.

“We would have a Christmas dinner and everyone was invited. It was more like a family thing. I can’t believe how good everybody was to me,” she said.

Both her children attended the school and Anna said she has seen three generations of many local families come through the doors.

Anna added: “I’ve seen a lot of the children grow up and get married, I’ve been invited to wedding receptions. Then seen their children come through the school.

“I’ve loved all the children. I really could have taken them all home with me.”

Anna continued: “I’m happy and I’m sad to be leaving.

"But I’ve got so many happy memories of my time here.

“It been a great part of my life, and it breaks my heart to have to leave.

"But I can’t go on for ever.”

Assistant headteacher Nadia Mossop said: “It’s really special the fact that Anna has worked with us for all this time and we certainly will miss her.

“She had a real love for the children so we are sad to see her go.

"A really big thank you must go to her for all her hard work over all those years.”