A SCHOOL cook has hung up her apron for the last time after serving up school meals for the last 29 years.

Christine Taylor has retired as ‘head chef’ from Hardy Mill Primary School in Harwood where she has served the second generation of the same family.

Mrs Taylor, aged 64, who lives in Tonge Moor, started at the school as second cook after her youngest child, Rebecca turned two — and ended up staying until retirement.

She said: “The school has a real family atmosphere.

“The opportunity to take over the school kitchen came up and I took it.

“I have always enjoyed cooking

“My husband was a teacher and this fitted in with our family life, we had school holidays off together.”

Mum-of-three Mrs Taylor has seen the popular school grow in size over the years.

And she has also witnessed the traditional dining hall being turned into a cafeteria — meaning an increase in children taking up school meals.

She said: “We had lots of fun – we put themed days on for the children, a French day, jungle theme.

“We all know most of the children’s names — I have said to some that I knew their mum or dad!

“My youngest daughter came to this school and now I serve my grand-daughter Poppy.

“We always try and encourage children to learn about eating healthy, and all the meals served are nutritiously balanced.”

On her last day, the school held a special assembly to which friends and family were invited.

Mrs Taylor said: “I have made many friends, and will still be coming to school to because my grand-daughter comes here.”

Mrs Taylor is now looking forward to spending time with friends enjoying leisurely days — and cheaper holidays out of term time.

Headteacher Jo Briggs said: “Christine has worked at Hardy Mill Primary School for 29 years and has been an integral part of our school family.

“She has worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that all our children past and present have eaten a tasty balanced meal at lunch.

“And she has always gone the extra mile to make the children’s lunchtime an enjoyable, social experience.

“Christine is a very special lady who has made it her job to know every child by name.

“The children, staff and I will miss her greatly.”