A GWENT headmistress has said goodbye to her school after 40 years of teaching.

Margaret Vidler, head of New Inn infants retired with "mixed feelings", after spending 14 years in charge of the Pontypool school.

"I am retiring but it's not that I want to go," said Mrs Vidler, who is looking forward to "keeping fit through swimming, walking and gardening", and spending time with husband Terry, and daughter Victoria.

The 60-year-old, who originally comes from Crickhowell, started her career in Radnorshire.

She became head of Kemys Fawr Infants in 1983, and took over the post at New Inn Infants in 1990.

"I have loved my job, loved working with children, and could not have done it without the support of the staff, governors, PTA, parents, and of course, my family."

And a teacher who has served her entire career at the same valleys school was given a surprise presentation by colleagues and pupils.

Judith Hill, who is head of infants and early years at Cwmfelinfach Primary, has been teaching at the school for 30 years - making her their longest-serving teacher.

She grew up in Wattsville and began teaching at the school straight from college.

Jenny Francis, headteacher at the school, said staff arranged a surprise assembly for her to celebrate the special occasion.

Former pupils from Mrs Hill's first class of children 30 years ago attended the assembly, as well as past teaching colleagues.

She was presented with a cheque for her Caerphilly long-service award. Mrs Hill joined Cwmfelinfach Infants in January 1975, when it was a separate infant and juniors.

She taught in the nursery when it opened in 1983, then moved to reception and now teaches Year 2 pupils.

Her daughter Sian, now in her early 20s, also attended the school.