A WOMAN who has dedicated most of her working life to a school in Barnsley will be retiring after 19 years of service.

Geraldine Exley, 59 of Parkhead Close in Royston, started at Holy Rood Primary school on Shaw Street, Barnsley in April 1999 when she was hired as a teaching assistant.

Having worked in classes for a number of years Geraldine then decided to move roles and started working as an administration assistant in the school office 14 years ago and that is where she stayed ever since.

Headteacher Karen Dobson said: “Geraldine is a very valued member of the school team and she is going to be a great loss to the school.

“She has always been such a hard worker and there are now some very big shoes to fill. Me and everyone at the school would like to wish Geraldine all the best in the future and thank her for all the support she has given everyone over the years.”

During her retirement Geraldine will be spending lots of time with her family and friends and is hoping to do some travelling with her husband.