Dinner lady Joyce Cox has hung up her apron after 46 years of service at Easton Royal Academy.

To mark the occasion, the primary school put on a retirement tea for Mrs Cox and her family.

Past headteachers Nicola Coupe, Vivian Swift and Judy Ward and former secretary Jenny Palmer all joined in the festivities.

The 72-year-old dinner lady, of Harris Lane in Easton Royal, started her service at the school in February 1967.

She said: “I love the children, that’s why I’ve been there for so long, and I live just up the road, so it was convenient too.

“I’ve had to give it up because I’m waiting for a new knee and I’ve had a hip replacement, but I’ll miss it a lot.

“I cried all my tears before the party, getting ready say goodbye and thinking about how much I would miss everybody.

“It wasn’t until I got home, when everybody had gone and I read all the lovely letters from the children, that I got upset.”

She added: “It’s changed a lot over the years. There’s a lot more red tape these days and health and safety procedures, but I’ve enjoyed it all.”

Once Mrs Cox has recovered from her knee replacement, she intends to return to the school as a volunteer, to help the children with their reading.

Headteacher Beck Stubbs said: “Mrs Cox has a host of memories of families over the years and enjoyed sharing some stories with several ex-pupils who joined her celebration.

“The children made a special book of drawings and messages for Mrs Cox, thanking her for all of the lovely food, fun games and plasters on their knees.

“Many families who attended the event have had two generations at the school with Mrs Cox and this made the occasion very special indeed.

“We wish her every happiness in her retirement.”