AFTER more than 30 years at Four Marks School – almost half her lifetime – Patricia (Pat) Case finally shut down her computer and bid a fond farewell to colleagues just before the Christmas break to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Mrs Case started at Four Marks Primary School as a learning support assistant, going on to become part of the administration team, being the first point of contact for parents, visitors and children.

In a statement about Mrs Case, pupil Rachel Lewis wrote: “She (Mrs Case) has really loved her job working with the children, staff and seeing all the parents and she will miss the social aspect of her job.

“She has turned her hand to most things and, on one occasion, when the school was collecting money for the BBC Children in Need appeal, locked the headmaster in his office and held him to ransom. The only drawback was that no-one wanted to pay to get him out!”

Rachel added: “Mrs Case says that she will really miss the big school family, the challenges that she faces most days, and the deadlines, but she is looking forward to getting involved in the community and spending her time doing the things she enjoys most, which are playing tennis, having holidays, entertaining and drinking Champagne!

“We all wish her a very happy and long retirement!”