GREAT Budworth Church of England Primary School celebrated the end of the half term with a farewell assembly for Karen Washburn, who has retired as the school cook.

Karen has been cooking at the school for 27 years, having taken the job on after her mother, Barbara James, retired after more than 25 years’ service.

Karen said she had enjoyed every minute of her time at the school, which was made so special for her by the children.

During the assembly pupils presented Karen with cards they had made and head teacher Sandra Finney paid tribute to Karen, presenting her with gifts from the staff and the parents.

Mrs Finney said: “Karen has a particular gift for knowing each individual child, knowing how much they liked of each thing and helping them to try out new dishes and to eat their vegetables.

“She has a very fond place in the hearts of the children and staff.”

As a special treat Karen cooked the children's favourite choices of leek and bacon pasta bake and fish and chips, with chocolate crispy cakes for pudding, as her final meal at the school.