The headteacher of a Hitchin primary school is retiring from her career after spending more than 40 years at the same school.

Mary Driver (née Suggitt), has worked at William Ransom School for 41 years and has been celebrating her lengthy service throughout this academic year.

Having been at the school for so long, Mary is now teaching the children of former pupils from many years earlier.

Her efforts as a teacher were recognised in 2001 when the Times Educational Supplement gave her a Teacher of the Year Award.

Mary then became headteacher in April 2007, since when she has led the school through a pandemic, expansion from 224 to 420 pupils and an Outstanding Ofsted inspection.

Her years at the school have included hundreds of School Parents' Association events, residential trips, and sports, choir and drama performances.

Mary has written many of William Ransom's end-of-year theatrical productions, which have included Matilda, the Lion King, Aladdin, and Mary Poppins.

Throughout her time at the school, Mary has also supported local charitable endeavours.

In 2018, for example, she conquered her fears to ride the world's fastest zip wire at Penrhyn Slate Quarry in North Wales, and raised £7,000 for a defibrillator for the school and local community.

William Ransom School will be hosting an open evening on Friday, July 14, to celebrate Mary's achievements and service.

Anybody who would like to thank Mary for her devotion to the school, children, parents and local community is invited to attend.

If you would like to join the celebration, please RSVP to retire14@wransom.herts.sch.uk.