Last updated 20:06, Thursday, 17 July 2008

A COCKERMOUTH headteacher is retiring after 18 years at Fairfield Infant School.

Fran Dryden, 59, who was previously headteacher at Cummersdale School near Carlisle, said she had mixed emotions about leaving.

She said: “This job has become so much a part of my life and I feel privileged to do a job that I enjoy, and you only realise this when you give it up.

“I cannot put into words how much I have enjoyed working here. I will be sad to leave because of all the people I have met over the years.

“It will be a bit strange walking up the road and not going into the school.

“All the things that have gone since I have been here have been great.

“We had an outstanding inspection and we have had new buildings installed. We also have a wonderful staff and it is a credit to them how well this school has done.

“The school is well supported by parents and to me that is the most important thing.

“All the hard work that has been put in has been worth it and I would definitely do it all again.”

Mrs Dryden plans to spend her retirement by taking things slowly.

She said: “Now that I have retired I think my life will be a lot more relaxed without any time pressures on me.

“I think a lot of my time will be spent travelling and gardening but now I will also have more time to visit my family and friends. It will give me a lot of time to do all the little things that I have not had a chance to do.”