A teaching assistant is looking forward to “going where she wants, when she wants” after stepping down from a Carlisle school after 20 years.

Sally Elson joined the staff at Houghton School in 1996 after moving to Cumbria with her family a year before, and worked closely with youngsters in all year groups to help develop their reading and writing skills.

“We lived near Hull then moved to Derby before coming to Cumbria. My son, Thomas, was at Houghton School and volunteered me to be part of a school trip and I suppose you can say that I never left after that,” Mrs Elson, 60, told The Cumberland News.

“While I was at the school I did my level three NVQ in childcare. I’ve got so many happy memories looking back over the years.

“It’s such a fantastic school to have been a part of and the staff are fabulous.”

Mrs Elson said she has no definite plans for her retirement, but is looking forward to spending time with her family.

“My husband, Stephen ,has already retired and I’ll probably be spending time with the grandchildren. I’ll also be able to go where I want, when I want,” she added.

Lindsey Slater, the school’s headteacher, said Mrs Elson will be a big miss.

“She was a compassionate, loving person who was loved by all the children.

“She also ran Leo’s Club, which a lot of former pupils will remember. She would work with them to build up their confidence in reading and writing.

“We wish her all the best.”