SCHOOL leavers from Acomb Primary School were given VIP treatment to mark their last day of term.

The 33 Year Six pupils were taken on an open top bus ride around the city, followed by a party at Acomb Parish Hall with food and a disco.

The special day was organised by parents who wanted to reward their children for doing well in their SATS test. In the morning they also held a special leavers assembly to mark the special day.

Parent Beth Fryer, of Acomb, said: “The children are a close knit group but next year they will be going to different schools. We wanted to organise something special for them all to remember.”

At Appleton Roebuck school, school secretary Janet Tate has answered her phone for the last time, after 32 years.

Janet, 66, of Northfield Way, has worked at the primary school for nearly half her life. Originally starting as a kitchen assistant in 1978, two years later she became secretary. A party was held for Janet with members of staff past and present, and on Friday afternoon her service was acknowledged in assembly. Janet plans to lead an active retirement where she aims to rediscover her love of painting and carry on swimming, cycling and playing badminton.

She said: “Leaving the school will create a big hole in my life and I will miss the children the most.”