A MUCH-LOVED volunteer at a Chippenham primary school has said farewell to pupils for the last time after volunteering for 20 years.

Pauline Baldwin – known as Grandma Baldwin to pupils, parents and staff at Redland Primary School – has helped children not only improve their reading, but find a love for it as well.

And on Tuesday, they held an assembly to thank the 79-year-old for everything she has done for not only the pupils who have passed through the school in the last 20 years, but what she has done for the school as a whole,

She was given her gifts, flowers, and a trophy with her name on it, which will be given to a different pupil every year who has show an interest in reading.

The name ‘Grandma Baldwin’ started when one of the teachers called her by that name and it stuck.

Pauline, from Chippenham, said: “The assembly was a lovely surprise. I got a bit emotional but I kept it together. I love it as much as the kids love it.

“It is rewarding for a start, and it keeps my brain active.

“To see a child improve in reading I think it is amazing we can see their confidence grow.

“I want that to be my legacy. If I have held a child to love reading like I do, that is my reward.

“I’m going to miss the children, the company, the staff and the general family feeling.”

Headteacher Veronika Joy, said: “Pauline has been here 20 years which is a very long time and in that time she has done so much for the school, she is part of the school.

“In the assembly she was saying how it is very much like a family and we feel that Pauline is part of our family so it all fits with being called Grandma Baldwin

“We are very sad to see Pauline go. I am going to miss seeing her smiling face when she comes in.

“I will miss the affection the children have for her, and as the staff do.

“She has instilled in them a love of reading.”