TWO teachers from a Wirral primary school have retired after a combined 58 years' service. 

Staff, pupils, parents and grandparents at Thingwall Primary said goodbye to Diane Darker and Linda Buckley during an emotional end-of-term assembly.

As well as teaching, Mrs Darker was the school's special needs co-ordinator and Mrs Buckley was also a cover teacher and higher-level teaching assistant in year six.

Shew also organised the annual St John's Ambulance lifesaving training for all year six pupils.

As a final goodbye to show their appreciation to both ladies, the school held a whole school assembly for pupils, staff, family members and Governors to celebrate the years of dedication and commitment to their roles.

Headteacher Danielle Cronin said: "Both members of staff will be greatly missed for their dedication, commitment to the children and their total professionalism throughout their time with us, especially during our most recent Ofsted inspection when we were proud to be awarded Good with Outstanding features by the inspection team.

"It was a team effort and both ladies played a pivotal role in our successful outcome.

"The day is obviously tinged with a little sadness for Thingwall as they are not only colleagues but lifelong friends also and the staff room won't be the same without them.

"We all wish them the very best of health, happiness and good fortune as they embark on this next exciting phases of their lives."