SHIRLEY Vallance, reception class teacher at Hayward's Primary School, was given a day of celebration to mark her incredible 40 years as a teacher - 37 of which have been at Hayward's.

Not only has she been a pillar of the school community, she has epitomised everything that is great about the school and also been active in the wider community and has been instrumental in directing lots of what the school still does today.

She began her career as a fresh-faced teacher at Kingsteignton Primary School as a Year 2 teacher.

She moved to Hayward's in September 1975 to take up a teaching position, supporting transition to the Junior School.

During her time at the school Shirley has managed to teach three generations of families.

She has taught across every year range, but will be remembered most for her work in the foundation stage.

This included her working with the then Headteacher, Mike Palmer, on a Childhood Partnership, developing strong links with the Leapfrogs nursery.

Shirley has also contributed to nurseries as far outside of Crediton as Copplestone, leading training and support for other settings.

Shirley has created many fond memories for the children and families in Crediton.

She will be remembered for her love of music, her guitar and work with choirs, her maypole dancing, her singing with Mr Palmer and the choir at the Town Band Christmas concerts and much much more.

One of her proudest moments was when she took the school choir to sing for the Queen as part of the 50th anniversary of VE day.

Shirley and the children were selected to stand under the Royal Balcony at Buckingham Palace and sing their peace songs, joined by Vera Lynn and Shirley's pop idol, Sir Cliff Richard.

She was instrumental in starting home visits to new parents, the Summer Fayre, supporting the Friend's of Hayward's and Shirley's popular bingo!

On her final day, the last day of term, she was treated to a fantastic day.

Special visitors were invited to meet her during the morning, including former staff, as well as the first head teacher she worked with in Crediton and then there was a concert with singing, comedy and memories.

A DVD was shown and Mrs Vallance was presented with a framed certificate from Devon County Council to acknowledge her 40 years' service for the Education Authority.

Tributes were paid to Mrs Vallance and it was said that she always "went the extra mile".

Current Hayward's Head Teacher Steve Hitchcock said: "Shirley has been instrumental in fostering the fabric and DNA of the current Hayward's school.

"Her passion for m aking a difference to children and families has been an inspiration.

"The way she encourages children to always do their best, no matter their circumstances and stick to their values is really why we have the Hayward's Code today.

"We will all miss Shirley greatly."

The Friends of Hayward's School presented Mrs Vallance, in honour of the fact that she was so good at teaching country dancing and Maypole dancing, a miniature Maypole.

She was then told that a full-size Maypole would be placed on the school field at one of the activity stations when the path around the field was completed and that the Tanglewood Project had been commissioned to make the Maypole.

A celebration party was held on the school field in the afternoon, which included dancing and performances, a disco, fun and games.

Other gifts she received were flowers, cards and a special book of memories.

In the evening the celebrations continued with an adult-only barbecue and dance to the band, Dodgey Practice.

Mrs Vallance said she was "thrilled" with her gifts and was looking forward to being able to relax, but added that she would still come back to the school to help out with some activities.

Alan Quick