A Leigh teacher has said farewell to her pupils after 40 years of teaching at the same school.

Sarah Smith, 59, was surprised with a goodbye celebration on Friday morning by pupils at West Leigh Infant School, after working there since beginning as a newly qualified teacher in 1980.

Pupils from reception to Year Six lined up around the playground on the last day of term to create an archway for Mrs Smith to walk through, as well as singing a special leavers song and giving presents.

Mrs Smith said: “It was an amazing surprise and was just absolutely brilliant to be surrounded by all the fantastic staff and pupils I’ve been lucky enough to teach over the years.

“It was so lovely to remember all the memories I’ve had at West Leigh, and really quite moving too. I couldn’t have asked for a better school to teach at.”

Mrs Smith has taught across the infant school throughout the years, taking a break only when her children were born, and has since worked in reception and early years education.

She said: “Wandering around Leigh I constantly pass faces I’ve taught throughout the years. It’s wonderful to stop and have a chat with the pupils and see how they’ve all grown up.”

As well as teaching, Mrs Smith has spent years cultivating the school’s garden and outside spaces for pupils to enjoy.

She said: “The garden has been a real passion project of mine, and I’m looking forward to returning to help out and enjoy it with the children.

Deputy headteacher Sarah Froydenlund said: “She is a fantastic teacher who has supported so many children and families during her time at West Leigh.”