THERE was a rousing and emotional send-off when a long-term dinner lady cooked her last school meal.

Betty Thorlby, 64, has been helping feed youngsters for 30 years at Alderton Junior School, in Alderton hall Lane, Loughton, but decided to hang up her apron to move to Tiptree to live nearer her daughters.

For her final day, the school held a special assembly with songs and speeches in Betty's honour.

The entertainment finished with a rousing rendition of Food Glorious Food, before Betty was presented with flowers and cards from the children.

She said: “It was lovely. I thought I was just going to come in gracefully and leave gracefully.

“The people and the children are brilliant here. There's not a day gone by when I've thought 'I don't want to go to work'.

“All the children have been saying how much they'll miss me. I've promised to come back and help with Christmas dinner.”

Headteacher Judith Lunn said: “She's done a grand job for us. She's kept working in those kitchens for 30 years and has cooked many school dinners for generations of children.”