ALISON Cruse, Clerk to Sandford School’s Governing Board for nearly eight years, was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a gardening voucher to mark her retirement and years of "sterling service".

"Governing Boards of schools rely very much on their Clerks to bring about progress and Alison has done so in such an unassuming and effective way for us", said Pam Barnard, Co-Chair of Governors.

"We are tremendously grateful for all the support she has given us over the years and our small gift to her was our way of saying a huge thank you."

"The unsung work of a School Clerk involves much more than minuting meetings", explains Head Teacher, Lois Briard.

"School organisation has seen many changes over the last decade and clerks have to understand these and other legal matters relating to education.

"Alison has fundamentally contributed to facilitating the yearly cycle of strategic school business at Sandford, whilst diligently keeping records of decisions and policy development. We are hugely grateful for her significant contribution.”

At the farewell meeting, Karen Snow, Co-Chair of Governors at Sandford School, reinforced everyone’s gratitude by adding that "Alison has kept us on track in such an effective way. We are sincerely grateful for her unstinting professionalism".

Sandford School Board said it was excited to welcome school parent and active member of the community, David Hope, to the position.