A POPULAR Prudhoe school teacher is sailing into retirement after devoting 24 years to her beloved school.

Sarah Johnson spent 16 years working as a reception teacher at St Matthews Catholic Primary School, before spending eight years working with years three and four.

As the term came to an end last Thursday children and staff said a fond farewell to Mrs Johnson, and she admitted holding back the tears.

“The atmosphere in school, the children and the families are what makes it so special – it’s just a brilliant school,” she said.

“There are parents and teachers in school I have taught. A little girl here, Chloe, her uncle was in my first class here.

“He is Stephen Gilholme – he came in today so he was here on my first day and also here on my last day, which was a bit emotional.

“There are so many children I remember. I go to the gym and people say ‘Hi, Mrs Johnson’.”

Mrs Johnson is planning to use her free time wisely and will be doing some travelling with her husband.

“We want to go sailing in the British Virgin Islands. We couldn’t do it during term time,” she explained. “That’s our dream.”

Over the years, she has seen many changes in the school, including its change to a primary in 2008 and the conversion to an academy in 2015.

From starting in 1993, when there were just 56 children in the school, she has witnessed several extensions, the most recent of which will be finished at the end of the summer holidays, and a rise to over 120 pupils.

“She’s absolutely brilliant and we are so sorry to lose her. The children love her and she is so nurturing and caring,” said headteacher Bernadette Pye.