Banburyshire primary school bids a happy retirement to business manager Hazel Hope after quarter of a century

Mrs Hope retires On October 23 having seen thousands of children from the village pass through their first school and on into secondary education.

She was described by head teacher Justin Stone as 'kind, hardworking, trustworthy and dedicated'..

"Those that have known Hazel much longer than I have regaled me with stories of her commitment to the village, school and children over the years she has been here," he said.

"I have seen photos and heard of the cookery and board games clubs she has run after school for the children; the Bike and Bake Sales that have raised so much money; events in the village including the Monopoly fundraiser; getting into the spirit of World Book Day by arranging a theme for the office team and dressing accordingly; organising international visits and hosting sumptuous suppers; making cakes to raise money or to keep the staff fuelled; spending an inordinate amount of time helping anyone with computer issues, even when swamped with her own work; coming out in all hours because the alarm is going off and generally being the font of all knowledge and remaining positive in every situation.

"It is no wonder that she was once awarded School Secretary of the Year - an accolade she deserves every year.

Mr Stone said the school had relied on Mrs Hope's extraordinary organisational skills and he described her work on the budget as 'meticulous'. He also described her as a great problem solver who has known 'every nook and cranny and everything that is going on at Hook Norton Primary School'.

"Hazel will be sorely missed," he said. "I am sure we will remain in contact. She is so loved by everyone at school. From everyone in the Hook Norton Primary School community, we wish her the happiest retirement and our very best wishes for the future.’

The school welcomed its new school business manager Rachel O’Callaghan at the beginning of this term.