A retiring deputy headteacher said she enjoyed every minute of her time at a Teddington school.

Linda McDonald had been at Sacred Heart RC Primary School, in St Mark’s Road, as deputy headteacher since 1986 and retired from that role at the age of 60 when it closed for the summer holidays last Friday.

The year 6 teacher was given a big send-off by children, parents and fellow staff, including headteacher Michael Thompson, who started at the school as a class teacher on the same day before coming back later as school leader.

Mrs McDonald, who enjoyed a picnic and a farewell mass as part of her send-off, said: “I have had 24 very happy years at Sacred Heart. I have enjoyed every minute at the school and will take very many happy memories with me.

“The school has been like a family.

“I hope to have a happy retirement, spending more time with my two grandchildren.”

Mrs McDonald, who has taught in Catholic schools for 33 years, and in the borough since 1981, said she hoped to carry on with some supply teaching work.

She said she would take away memories of all the children she had taught, school journeys to the Isle of Wight and work carried out for the school Sacred Heart has links with in Africa.

She added: “Everyone here is part of a team and a family.

“That is why it is so hard to leave. I’m teaching children of the first children I taught in the school, it’s a lovely link.”

Mr Thompson has worked as headteacher at Sacred Heart for eight years and paid tribute to the colleague he first met 24 years ago when he was a newly-qualified teacher.

He said: “She has been incredible and always wants to do what is best for the children and the school.

“She has been supportive of me and other colleagues.”