IT'S been a family affair at Foston School as far as the school secretary is concerned.

Joan Shipley has worked at the school for an impressive 25 years, following on from husband Geoffrey, who attended Foston when he was a lad.

Geoffrey might only have stayed until he was 14-years-old, but his wife lasted through two jubilees - the Queen's Silver celebration and this year's Golden Jubilee.

Mrs Shipley, 60, started as a school dinner lady in 1977, when her son, Andrew, was still at the school.

She worked as a teaching assistant and finally became school secretary, and says she wouldn't have swapped it for the world.

"The atmosphere is great, it really is like one big happy family.

"The children always get you involved and I think I really will miss them, especially the infants, who I have done the most work with."

Head teacher Susan Taylor said the staff and all 26 children would be sorry to see Mrs Shipley leave at the end of the term.

But she said she was hoping to see the familiar face popping back in the autumn term.

Mrs Shipley added: "No doubt I shall be down to come and listen to readers again.

"My husband says no, I've finished there now, but I think the head was hoping I might be back to help organise trips and so on."

Updated: 12:00 Wednesday, July 17, 2002