A MEALTIME assistant at St Andrew’s Primary School in Buckland Monachorum was presented with an array of gifts on Tuesday to mark her 40th year working at the school.

Ann Moses, who lives in the village, was congratulated by staff and pupils for her long-service with a surprise tea-party which was followed by a special presentation assembly.

Ann received a bouquet of flowers and messages composed from children throughout the school, as well as some pictures they created for Ann to keep.

Ann started as an assistant in 1980 when her own children attended the school. Adored by generations of pupils and staff alike, she said she was ‘bowled over’ during the assembly.

The school also performed a special song.

Deputy headteacher Justin Jones said: ‘Ann has known and helped so many families over the last 40 years. This is our way of saying thank you and celebrating how lucky we are to have her at our school.’

Ann said: ‘I have enjoyed the years that I have worked at the school and would like to thank all the staff that I have worked with over the years for all their support.’