CHILDREN and staff said a fond farewell to a much-loved Blackheath teacher after 19 years.

Denise Macdonald has worked in Sandwell schools for 38 years in total and retired from Blackheath Primary School where she was deputy head at the end of term.

The 58-year-old, who spent the first half of her career at Cape Primary School, Smethwick, said she would miss the children the most, but was looking forward to spending more time with family and friends and a cruise in January.

“I will miss seeing the children progress, they always bring a smile to your face in the morning, and I will miss the parents as well because they have always been so good to me and the staff - you make a lot of friends over such a long time,” said Mrs Macdonald.

Headteacher Lesley King said: “She has always put the children’s needs before anything else and, because she is an excellent teacher, she has used her expertise to enhance the lives of generations of children who have been through her hands.

“As the deputy head, she has had a great influence on the life of the school, and will be greatly missed.

“However, her friends and colleagues wish Denise a long and happy retirement. She goes with all our love and thanks for all her years of support and leadership.”