A long-serving teaching assistant at Wath's Church of England School has left after 39 years of service.

 

Barbara Crabtree, 59, joined the school aged 20 in 1974 and believes that she has seen a thousand children pass through the gates on Barnsley Road.

 

She said: "I saw some of my pupils turn into grandparents and come back with their grandchildren.

 

"That is one of the most special moments, being involved in families' lives and making an impression for all those years."

 

Barbara had a party thrown for her at the school and now intends to retire and spend more time in her motorhome with her husband.