THE deputy headteacher at Collingbourne Primary School has celebrated 25 years at the school.

Heather Ball, who teaches reception children and year one, was presented with gifts on the last day of term to mark the teaching milestone.

The teacher received 25 balloons from past pupils, a book filled with stories of what past pupils are doing now as well as flowers and other gifts.

Miss Ball said: "It's a very nice village and they are lovely children. I thought I would have seen a new school by now but I'm hoping to stay around and see the new one, which is due in September 2004."

Headteacher Janet Wright added: "All of the children here have had the grounding from Miss Ball. She really is a very good teacher and very much appreciated. She is very, very popular in the village and appreciated for her dedicated hard work."