THE first teaching assistant at Westleigh Methodist School, Sylvia Winstanley, said goodbye for now to staff and pupils at the end of term.

For Sylvia, who retired after 29 years at the Westleigh School, is going back in September -- as a volunteer.

The 60-year-old grandmother of seven was one of the first non-teaching assistants when she was appointed in 1972.

A year later, she became a dinner lady, and combined the two posts for almost 20 years, before relinquishing the serving position for the classroom nine years ago.

Sylvia, of Taylor Road, Hindley Green, said: "I was one of the first assistants to be appointed when they were just being tried out, now they take more qualifications.

"I have been working with the children for so long I knew I would miss them, so I decided to go back next term and help for just a half day a week."

Sylvia, who previously worked for the NCB in Manchester and Wigan, and Tizer in Atherton, now has more time to spend with husband Don, her three children and grandchildren, and on her hobbies, gardening, swimming and keep fit. BE BACK SOON: Retiring teaching assistant Sylvia Winstanley with Vicky Jones, 11, Daniel Swanton, eight, James Durham, nine, and Sophie Kelsall, seven