Pupils say farewell to caretaker

The children gave Mrs Hussey a number of gifts at a special assembly, which was held in her honour.

The gifts included flowers, a vase, a book of poems and drawings by the children, and a life-size cardboard painting of Mrs Hussey, complete with a set of school keys.

Deputy-headteacher Helen Burdell said Mrs Hussey often went on school trips with the children and had helped with putting on shows at Christmas.

Mrs Burdell added: "We will miss her very much."

Mrs Hussey told the Herald that the Sompting school had only three classrooms when she started in 1974.

She said she plans to go on holiday with her husband and spend more time with her grandchildren.

She added: "It's a lovely school. The children here are really well behaved."