A SCHOOL governor who helped make life better for pupils has retired -- at the age of 81.

Mrs Olive Stockton has relinquished her position at Boothstown's Highlea Secondary School after 15 years because of her age and because she felt it was time for the specialist school for children with learning difficulties to move on without her.

But Olive, of Ennerdale Road, Leigh, whose slogan is "let's do it", will not be forgotten. A plaque bearing her name will be presented to the best performing student at the end of each school year.

Olive, who went into service at the age of 14, has always been a keen supporter of education and after retiring from the welfare section at Leigh St Mary's High at Astley, she applied to become a school governor.

Soon after joining the governing body at Highlea she decided to form an activity group to buy equipment for the residential pupils' after-school activity group. This included mountain bikes, computers, games room snooker tables and dart boards and cookery utensils for club nights.

Air hockey tables and football games and a water slide are among the latest buys.

The pupils also tend a quad garden where trees are planted in memory of relatives who have died and they also have a garden haven with a greenhouse in which they grown their own bedding plants and herbs.

Olive said: "Highlea was special to me and though I have been invited to visit any time I shall miss my duties as a governor. I was involved in the appointment of staff and disciplinary matters but my priorities were the children, they were always very helpful to me."

Mother of two Olive has been married to Joe for 59 years and they have a son and daughter, four grandchildren and one great grandson.

The former machinist said: "I didn't have much chance of an education myself but I have always been a keen supporter of it and enjoy reading and writing letters.

"I have bought myself a new sewing machine and I'm a keen DIY-er. Age means nothing to me, people should forget about it and get on with life."

At a retirement party in school Olive was presented with two crystal vases, flowers and plant and a replica plaque of "The Olive Stockton Award" which she will present every year.

She said: " I want to thank the staff, governors and pupils for all their support and for the lovely trophy honour which came as a great surprise.

"The school has been a big part of my life and I will always be there if I'm wanted. I love helping children."