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 was asked to become 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 have learned a lot myself through helping the children over the years. That is of course until computers came in and I decided they weren't for me.

"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.

"On my retirement day, everyone did me proud. It's one I shall never forget."

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.