A HIGH school office worker is heading for the sun now that she has retired after 24 years service.

Eileen Nicholl, 62, began work at Moorhead High in Accrington as a shorthand typist in 1978 and has seen four headteachers take over the reins at the Queens Road West school.

In the last 12 months she has also seen two buildings become one as a new structure was created next to the Cromwell building to unite the school.

Eileen has also witnessed the introduction of new technology and learned computer literacy on the job and now wishes to learn further IT skills, for pleasure rather than work.

The grandmother, who lives in Asher Street in Baxenden, is also looking forward to spending time with her young grandchildren.

She has a daughter Michelle, 34, and two granddaughters Bethany, seven, and Emma, three.

Eileen said: "In the last few years I worked in the finance office but prior to that I dealt with thousands of children so it will be nice now that I have finished to spend time with my own.

"I am going to look for the sun for starters and already have a holiday in Tenerife planned with a friend. I want to make the most of every day while I am still in good health and able to enjoy my retirement."

Eileen was surprised yesterday lunchtime with an unexpected presentation from staff and pupils, thanking her for her time at the school.

She was given a cheque for £100, a camera, photo frames and a crystal vase along with hundreds of farewell cards and several bouquets of flowers.

She said: "I was absolutely overwhelmed. It was a lovely send off and I will miss all the girls especially Mavis in the Queens building office."