“We’ll miss you” was the message to a long-serving Barry primary school teaching assistant after her retirement today.

Mrs Angela Ayres finished her last lesson on Friday after working at Colcot Primary School for a total of 24 years.

Mrs Ayres started volunteering with the PTA when her children were at the school, before becoming a full time teaching assistant in 1992 and then an LSA.

Throughout her time at the school she has taught generations of families, from reception up until Year 6, and has become friends with both parents and fellow staff.

In her last week at the school she was treated to a leavers assembly where several Year 6 children came up to her to said they remembered her from when they were younger.

“I have loved every minute of working here," she said.

"I love working with the children and the staff are great.

“We work as a team and its nice in the infants that you get to know the parents as well.”

Mrs Ayres, of Liscum Way, said that despite retiring she would still be keeping in contact and helping out at the school.

“I’ll be coming back as a volunteer to help with trips and other events,” she said.

“I have enjoyed all the years I have been here but I think the time is right to retire.”

Mrs Ayres, who also volunteers at Amelia Trust Farm and the Methodist Church youth circuit, was presented with a personalised card by pupils and an achievement award for 24 years of service.

She was also treated to a leavers assembly service and an open morning which past pupils were invited to.

Head teacher Mrs Nia Cule thanked 65-year-old Mrs Ayres for her time at the school.

“We are really going to miss her," she said.

"During her time her she has carried out lots of different roles. She started off as a member of the PTA and has really just changed her role to suit the needs of the school. We have always relied on her and she has been a good friend to staff, pupils and parents."