A FAMILIAR face at Yester Primary School has waved goodbye for the final time after more than 30 years’ service.

Carol Hughes started working at the school when her youngest child began in primary one.

In her final week, pupils put on a concert before staff held a special lunch.

Mrs Hughes, who was the school’s business support administrator, told the Courier: “I have loved my time at Yester.

“We have got such amazing children and we have always had amazing pupils, amazing families, parents and supportive parents.

“I will miss the school community but I am not that far away and will be back to help out in various things.

“It is just the time is right to retire and start the next chapter – whatever that holds.”

The 65-year-old highlighted how her role had changed since taking on the position in February 1990.

At that time, there were no computers or photocopiers in the school office. Now there are a number of different systems and modern financial procedures in place.

READ MORE: Headteacher says farewell after 17 years

Along the way, she has worked with five headteachers, including Dorothy Hilsley, who retired from the school in 2017 after 17 years.

As she counted down to the school bell ringing time on her career at the Gifford primary school, she said: “It still feels surreal, very surreal.

“It feels very surreal in as much as I am just getting prepared for an extended holiday.

“I don’t know how I will feel when I walk out the door but I will be back to do a bit of supply after the October week and until they get my replacement in post.

“I’m not abandoning them but hopefully I will have a bit more flexibility in how my work goes.

“I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, overwhelmed by the gifts, the flowers and cards. It has just been very special and the children did their concert on Wednesday afternoon.”

Carol, who lives near Garvald and has seven grandchildren, said that her time at the primary school had “gone in a flash”.

She praised the tight-knit community and added: “It is a very close school community.

“It is lovely to be able to know all the parents and all the children by name.”

As well as spending more time with her family, Carol intends to get involved in volunteering.

A trip to Lanzarote also promises the start of more time spent travelling.

In the meantime, the mum-of-three intends to relax for a few months and see what the future holds.

Headteacher Debbie Mercer said: “On behalf of everyone at Yester, we would just like to say a huge thank you to Carol for all her hard work and commitment over the last 33 years.

“The entire Yester community will miss her tremendously as she has always been the first port of call for all our families and visitors to the school.

“Always at the end of the line, Carol could be depended upon to calmly solve many problems and queries.

“Yester definitely won’t be the same without her but we wish her a long and very happy retirement; it’s certainly well deserved.”