THE school gates have swung closed for the last time behind a much-loved dinner lady who retired after 25 years of service.

Glenda Fletcher devoted many years of her life to her job as a lunchtime assistant at St John’s Primary School in Johnson Street, Radcliffe.

The married mother-of-three, of Beech Avenue, Outwood, is now hoping to turn to more green-fingered pursuits and will spend her free time tending to her allotment.

Radcliffe-born Mrs Fletcher, aged 65, first worked at St John’s for five years while her son Simon, aged 46, and Lindsey, aged 44, attended the school.

She then returned to her job when her daughter Faye, now aged 24, was a youngster at the school and stayed in the role for two more decades.

Mrs Fletcher, who was presented with a gardening set by pupils when she retired last month, said: “It has been part of my life for 25 years and I was sad to leave.

“Being brought up as one of seven, we had good times and played together so I have always loved being with children.

“I enjoyed being around them in the playground, playing games, talking to them and listening to them.”

Mrs Fletcher and her husband Peter, who is also retired, can now devote more time to growing their own fruit and vegetables in their allotment off Ringley Road.

The pair also enjoy going on bike rides on the borough’s nature trails.

Mrs Fletcher added: “I have really enjoyed my time at St John’s and would say to all the staff and children, just carry on and do your best.

“On my last day, I was presented with my gardening set, flowers and chocolates and cards in the afternoon assembly before a meal at the Bolholt Hotel with staff in the evening.

“I would like to say thank you to all the staff for planning such a lovely send off, and thank you to the children for making my day memorable.”

Mr Jason Harvey, headteacher at St John’s, said: “Glenda has touched the lives of so many children at St John's over the years and will be sorely missed.

“She always showed such a high level of care and professionalism whilst she was here.

"She now deserves a well earned rest but is welcome to come back and see us whenever she wants to.”