Aveton Gifford Primary School’s administrator, Tina Roberto has left after 17 years of dedicated service.

On the last day of term, Friday, July 21, the school celebrated her work and commitment at ‘Tina’s tea party’.

Parents and pupils of the school, both past and present, were invited to bring a plate of food, a jam jar of flowers and decorations for the party.

Mrs Leila Naldrett, head of teaching and learning opened the party with a speech, and then pupils performed songs and dances.

One of the highlights was Egrets Class singing ‘So Long, Farewell’ from ‘The Sound of Music’. And as Mrs Roberto rose to congratulate the children at the end, they all swamped her in a spontaneous embrace.

The afternoon concluded with a further speech by parent Philippa Stainton, who referred to her as ‘the compass’ of the school.

In recognition of her service, Mrs Roberto was given a spa hideaway day for two, kindly donated by parents.

A spokesman for Aveton Gifford Primary School said: “We would like to pass our heart-felt thanks to Mrs Roberto for all her untiring work.

“We sincerely hope that she always carries with her the love and gratitude of parents down her many years of service.”