A DINNER lady is finally putting up her feet after 25 years of service at a primary school.

Ann Fry, 67, who supervised children in the playground at Lethbridge got a rousing send-off with three cheers at assembly yesterday morning.

The mother-of-three, of Old Town, intends to spend more time going on caravan holidays with her husband but will still help out in classrooms every week.

She said: “I feel a bit emotional but am keeping it under control. I get very attached to children – I like working with the little ones.”

Her role as a mid-day supervisor assistant – better known as being a dinner lady – means many of the children know her well.

Mrs Fry has always been there to offer words of comfort and sort out any disputes. She said: “I kept an eye on them.

“I always have children holding my hands.

“It is nice to get hugs from them in the corridors. Playtime is really important and it is nice to look after the little ones when they get upset.

“They don’t say when you take these jobs on that you have to act as a diplomat.”

Children gathered around Mrs Fry to say goodbye and the school presented her with flowers and a meal for two at the Jewel in the Crown curry house. She said: “I have just had a wonderful time here and I am glad I am not giving up all of it.

“I have seen so many children go through and have known a lot of their parents also.”

Headteacher Ray Norman talked about what life was like in the 1980s and compared the price of petrol and houses so children could have an idea of how long Mrs Fry had been employed at the Old Town primary school.

“She has been a fantastic servant to the school and was always cheerful,” he said.

“We really do appreciate the contribution she has made. It is a long service in one place. We need people like Ann who turn up every day with a smile on their face.”