ANNE Baker retired from her role as headteacher of St Francis First School in July 1989.

The Leckford Road resident had been in primary education for 36 years and had been at the school in Horspath Road, Cowley, since 1976.

She said: "I will miss the children and it'll be very different not having them around.

"I have had a happy time here and I made friends with a great number of parents over the years.

"I hope to keep in touch with the school."

Miss Baker was taking early retirement to fulfill a lifetime ambition.

She added: "I want to travel the world while I'm still capable of climbing on the plane.

"And I'm a great dog lover. I've been looking after other people's dogs, but I would like to get one of my own now."

Colleague Karen Hale said: "She loves children and always had their interests at heart.

"The staff will miss her too."