A PENSIONER who has served a York school for more than 45 years was the guest of honour at a surprise party thrown by pupils to celebrate her 75th birthday.

Youngsters at Carr Infants School, in Acomb, shared a slice of cake with Maureen Urwin, of Almsford Drive, Acomb, to mark the occasion.

Maureen has had several roles at the school since her children started there in the late 1950s, including serving on the PTA and working as a dinner lady for 24 years.

The 75-year-old now teaches children how to bake on a voluntary basis.

She said: "It was a wonderful surprise - the children were so excited.

"I've loved being at the school over the years.

"I keep saying it's my last term, but then keep coming back!"

Head teacher Ann McKeown said: "Maureen is the stuff that school communities are made of.

"She has been a brilliant servant of the school."

Updated: 10:31 Wednesday, January 23, 2002