A MUCH-LOVED secretary is retiring after more than two decades at a York primary school.

Pauline James, who has been on the front desk at Haxby Road School for 22 years, spent her last day on Thursday and was looking forward to a well-earned rest.

Mrs James, 62, who lives near the school, said: “I think over the years I have spent more time here than I have in my own home.

“It’s a close-knit family here at Haxby Road so it’s hard leaving those ties behind, but I will still keep in touch.

“I can’t see me sitting at home doing nothing and I plan to visit my mother and sister in South Africa.”

Mrs James, whose four children all went to the school,took part in a special assembly with three of her four children there to mark the occasion.