CORONATION Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh visited her old school to say good luck to her former teacher as she retired.

In total, five teachers, including the head, with a combined 117 years of experience at Hyndburn Park Primary School marked the end of their careers with a celebration yesterday.

They included 60-year-old Margaret Jopson, who has been teaching in the school’s junior department for 39 years, She used to teach Julie, famous for her role as Hayley Cropper in the hit soap.

Children at the Park Road school took part in assemblies to say farewell and were also thrilled by Julie’s visit.

She left Mrs Jopson with a hand-written letter wishing her all the best for her retirement.

Also retiring were headteacher John Boden, 58, who is the second longest serving veteran with 29 years at the school, year six teacher Edwina Martland, 60, retiring after 24 years, assistant head Lynn McCrerie, 59, who has been at Hyndburn Park 15 years and special needs teacher Keith Wiggins, 58, who leaves the school after ten years.

Mr Boden said: “Julie was a pupil in Margaret’s class when she attended here and visited the school which was a real treat for the pupils.

“Then yesterday we had special assemblies all day where some wonderful things were said, so it has been a good way to end the week and mark the occasion.

“After so many years, we are like a family here and we really are a part of the community.

"People tend to work here a long time because it is a friendly school and it always has been.

“What I will miss most, like my colleagues, is the sense of community we have here.

"We are each leaving with very fond memories.”

New teachers and a new headteacher are due to start at the school in September.