THE big red book came out for teacher Maureen Sutton, whose life in teaching was celebrated at St Thomas's CE Primary in Bury.

Mrs Sutton, who retired from the Pimhole Road school after 34 years, was treated to a This Is Your Life themed party.

Past and present staff and children joined her family for the event, which included a video message from 20-year-old daughter Amy in Cambridge.

A buffet was held where gifts including a Japanese maple tree and flowers were presented, along with cards made by children in every class.

Mrs Sutton (55), of Holcombe Village, joined the school immediately after qualifying.

She said: "I visited and liked the community atmosphere and friendliness, which seemed quite special.

"Quite a few of the parents that I used to teach have been in with cards, presents, flowers and a lot of memories."

Mrs Sutton hopes to carry on with supply teaching, to spend more time with friends and family, and to rekindle an interest in amateur dramatics with the Summerseat Players.