Diane a pioneer of green teaching

GOODBYE . . . Diane Ford says farewell to pupils at Thorp Primary

A MUCH-loved teacher with a passion for saving the environment is retiring after 41 years in the profession.

Diane Ford has worked at Thorp Primary in Royton for the past 18 years and helped youngsters to become the first in Oldham to gain Eco-School status.

Since her career began in 1968, Diane has worked at a number of local schools including Broadfield, Whitegate End, Byron Street and St Lukes.

Stuart Bennett, head teacher at Thorp Primary, said: “Diane has been a dedicated and hard-working teacher.

“She has given so much to the local community in terms of the countless children she has taught and in terms of her visionary approach to eco awareness.

“She will be missed by staff, pupils and parents alike and we wish her a very long and happy retirement.”

Diane said: “Thorp Primary has been a large part of my life for 27 years first as a parent then as a teacher and I have very happy memories of past and present pupils and staff. I feel it is very important for the children to feel part of the community, understanding its history and looking after the environment.

“With this ethos I introduced and enjoyed working on many eco initiatives in the school and the wider area. I will really miss the children.”