A DINNER lady has decided to jet off to Benidorm after calling time on her 37-year career.

Mavis Little, 82, has been serving lunches at Conyers School in Yarm, near Stockton, for nearly four decades.

Staff and students gathered in the school's dining room to say their goodbyes last month, and they even included a guard of honour with knives and fork.

Mrs Little's granddaughter and great grandchild also came along to see her being showered with gifts, cards and well wishes from all at school.

She said: "The children have kept me young and the years have flown by. The staff and students have been a delight to work with."

Louise Spellman, headteacher, said: "Mavis is a Conyers School legend and an inspiration to us all.

"At 82 she has as much energy and enthusiasm as the teenagers she has looked for her 37 years as a lunchtime supervisor.

" Students speak of her ability to be both firm and incredibly kind; 'when Mavis tells you off she does it really nicely' was the summary of one student.

"Mavis' work ethic is impressive, it was only a year ago that she received a card congratulating her on 100 per cent attendance for the previous academic year."