Staff and pupils at a village school near Devizes had to trick lunchtime supervisor Barbara Gunnell into attending a farewell presentation on Friday.

Mrs Gunnell, 59, has worked at All Cannings Primary School for 18 years but said she did not want any fuss on her last day at school.

Headteacher Richard Borman said: “We had to get her to stay on for an extra 20 minutes or so after breakfast club so we could quietly get all the children and presents together.

"She had kept saying she didn’t want any fuss but she has been such a fantastic member of staff we had to mark the occasion.

“She was a volunteer when her own children were at the school and then she became a paid member of staff about 18 years ago.”

He said Mrs Gunnell was a much-loved mid-day supervisory assistant who helped in the breakfast club. Many children learnt the art of cross-stitch at a school club she ran.

Her husband, John, has also supported the school and was known for his bingo calling. The couple now want to spend more time together.