School’s out for summer for thousands of children across Shropshire after they broke up for the end of the academic year.

Pupils have also said farewell to scores of familiar faces as the school bell rang for the last time for many long-serving members of staff.

Teachers, dinner ladies and support staff were among those for whom school’s out forever due to retiring or moving on to pastures new.

In Market Drayton, The Grove School bid a fond farewell to three long-standing members of staff who between them have chalked up 79 years’ service.

Ken Sterling, head of music, Lynda Warner, head of food, textiles and social care, and Beryl Feeley, head of religious education, all left the school yesterday.

Mr Sterling, originally from County Durham, said: “You get so used to getting up in the morning and coming into school. But I’ve enjoyed it because every day is different and it’s been great fun most of the time.”

Headteacher Jane Radbourne said: “On behalf of the school’s governors and myself, I want to say a huge thank you to Beryl, Ken and Lynda who have given such dedicated service to the school and young people of Market Drayton.”

At Market Drayton Infants School, dinner lady Rosemary Smith served her last school dinners as she retired after 19 years’ service. At Prees Primary School, near Whit-church, teacher Gayle Brown was presented with a gift from school governors in recognition of her many years in the profession.