THREE members of staff waved goodbye to children and teachers at a Pendle school after more than 50 years’ service between them.

Lilian Brunton, Jan O’Hara and Keith Cocker have worked at Colne Primet High School for a combined total of 52 years.

Originally a cook, Lilian has also filled the role of cleaner for the last 12 of her 22 years at the Dent Street school.

Jan, who is leaving her position as the headteacher’s personal assistant, began working at the school 21 years ago.

And Keith has spent nine years in part of a team which oversees the premises.

Assistant headteacher Howard Raw said each of the employees had made a significant contribution to the school and would be ‘sorely missed’ by staff and children.

Grandmother-of-two Lilian, who comes from Sunderland, plans to spend her retirement helping with church activities and walking around the local countryside.

Keith, who has been on a number of school trips and was very active in its Snowdonia charity challenge last year, also plans to do more walking and bike rides.

Jan is taking early retirement to spend more time with her husband, Tom, and three grandchildren.

Mr Raw said: “Jan is a real native of this area and originally worked at Bradley Primary School as bursar and secretary for eight years.

“She will be sorely missed as she is a vital cog in the engine room of the school, that being the main office.

“She says in particular she will miss the staff, many of whom are her friends as well as colleagues.”