Wendy Guttridge has retired after 35 years of working at North Walsham Infant and Nursery School. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

A teacher from North Walsham has retired after 35 years teaching at the same school.

Wendy Guttridge with teaching staff at North Walsham Infant School and Nursary (1970s); Photo credit: Submitted.

Wendy Guttridge, of Wilkinson Way, started teaching when she was 21 years old in north London but moved to Norfolk in 1974 after getting married.

Since then she has worked at North Walsham Infant School and Nursery, known then as North Walsham Primary School, in a role she began when she was asked to cover maternity leave.

The 60-year-old said: “I have always wanted to be a teacher, since about the age of 14 or 15, and have always been interested in early years, ages four and five. When I first started teaching it was a little bit daunting but I was supported by lots of really good colleagues.”

Mrs Guttridge said some of her favourite moments included celebrating the Silver Jubilee, playground parties, dressing-up days, nativity plays and end-of-year celebrations.

And despite having a career spanning nearly 40 years Mrs Guttridge said “not that much” had changed.

“The basics of what children need have not changed, but how it’s delivered and its accountability and the paperwork involved has.”

Parents, staff and pupils organised several parties in her final fortnight and donations were put towards a range of gifts including a published photobook of collected photographs, a glass presentation plaque, an engraved necklace, a cake and other presents.

Mrs Guttridge will now enjoy spending more time with her family and grandson. She will also become a grandmother again around Christmas.