A village primary school is gearing up to say farewell to its popular headteacher who is heading to retirement after nearly 40 years in education.

Heather Delf will be leaving Ludham Primary School and Nursery after spending the last eight years leading it.

Mrs Delf is leaving on a high after Ofsted rated her school as good following an inspection in May.

She said: “I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. It has been an honour to work with such committed and supportive governors, colleagues, parents, carers and children.

“We had an Ofsted inspection on May 15 and we were delighted to be rated as a good school with many positive features.

“I’m proud of everything we have achieved and feel reassured that I’m leaving the school in a strong position to continue to grow.

“We promote a growth mindset approach to learning at the school, where anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

“I know that I will miss everyone and everything about this school but, I feel that it’s now time for me to begin a new chapter in my life.

“I’m looking forward to being able to have more time to visit my family in Leicester. I have a lovely granddaughter, who has just had her first birthday.

“I love travelling, and look forward to having the chance to visit more places. I plan to visit India, and travel around the Golden Triangle by rail. This trip will give me the opportunity to explore another of my passions, which is photography.

“I believe that learning never really ends; there are always new and exciting challenges out there.”

Mrs Delf has been in education for 39 years and says she seen several changes to teaching during that time, including the change from middle schools to all through primary schools, the introduction in 2014 of the new national curriculum and the removal of levels as a means of assessment.

She added: “I have taught children from three to 16-year-olds and have enjoyed teaching all the different ages.

“I specialised in French, which I taught at high school for six years.”