CHILDREN and staff at a Westhoughton school are saying a fond farewell to a popular nursery teacher who is retiring after 31 years of service.

Dorothy Woods started her career as a nursery nurse at St John's Wingates working with the reception classes. Then last September she joined the Gates Schools - created when St John's merged with Wingates.

Sue Hayes, a teacher at The Gates, said: "Everybody knows her. She has taught a lot of the parents. We will definitely miss her."

Dorothy intends to enjoy her retirement by spending time in her garden in Westhoughton and putting her feet up.