DINNER time just won’t be same at Crudwell School after Bridget Ryman finally hung up her pinny.

Mother-of-three Mrs Ryman has been dishing out meals at the village school for almost 30 years until she finally served her very last pudding on Friday.

Mrs Ryman, 61, who has lived in Crudwell almost all of her life and attended the school as a child, said: “Of course I am going to miss it very much.

“I am going to miss the children and their little ways. I’ve had some funny times with them over the years.”

Mrs Ryman, who has five grandchildren, began working at the school as a lunchtime assistant in 1986 when dinners were provided by Wiltshire County Council.

“I was the assistant, doing some cooking and the washing up.”

She has worked for four companies in that time, the provision of school meals having long since been undertaken by private firms.

She said the youngsters had a better choice on their lunchtime menu these days, with a vegetarian option added in recent years.

Her job has also changed as the meals are these days pre-cooked. “I heat them in the oven, and make the gravy, custard and bread, from a bread mix.”

Mrs Ryman was expecting quiet farewell last Friday but was stunned to be summoned to the school hall where all the children and teachers were gathered.

She was presented with an engraved clock, an apple and cherry tree and a bouquet of flowers.

“It’s been a lovely job,” she added. “I know all the children and remember most of their parents when they were here too.”