The children, staff and parents at Ashlands Primary School, Ilkley, bid a fond farewell on Thursday to their headteacher, Mrs Eileen Fitzpatrick.

Mrs Fitzpatrick retired after a very successful teaching career, spending the last seven years as headteacher at Ashlands.

The school reached outstanding status under her leadership and Mrs Fitzpatrick, who is a National Leader of Education, will be sorely missed by the whole community of Ashlands School.

Children, staff and parents said a big thank you and farewell to her in a final assembly where she was presented with many lovely gifts made by the children as well as gifts from staff and parents.

Mrs Fitzpatrick said: “I came to Ashlands almost seven years ago and I don’t think a day has passed when I have not reminded myself just what a privilege it has been to be the headteacher of such a wonderful school.”