A TEACHING assistant is retiring after 21 years working at a village school.

Wendy Lyus leaves her post at Leavening Primary School at the end of the spring term.

Originally from Wharram-le-Street, Mrs Lyus spent three years on the beat as a policewoman in West Yorkshire after leaving Malton Grammar School. She then spent nine years as a store detective.

Following the birth of her two daughters, Rebecca, now 28, and Hannah, 26, Mrs Lyus became a volunteer helper at Leavening school, joining the staff full-time in 1990.

Mrs Lyus, who has worked with four different head teachers, said she and her husband, Steve, now plan to spend more time looking after the garden at their Thixendale home and enjoy the great outdoors at a more leisurely pace.

“I have had 21 wonderful years at the school and will leave with mixed emotions,” she said.

“The children have been like an extended family to me and they have given me many happy memories.

“I would like to thank them and their parents for their support and friendship over the years.”