Brenda started as the school’s welfare assistant in 1990, and at the time was the only member of support staff – covering the seven classes alongside providing 1-1 support for a child. She then moved into supporting the school office, before being asked to step up and manage the finances when the school secretary left suddenly in 2006.

She went on to become the permanent secretary and then school business manager, working with seven headteachers during her tenure.

Anna Catlin, current Headteacher of Nelson Infant School, said: “I personally would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Brenda for her lifetime of commitment to the school community here at Nelson Infants, and also a personal and heartfelt thank you for the constant support on my professional and personal journey to becoming a headteacher.

“I honestly couldn’t have done it without her. Brenda is the heart of our family here at Nelson and we are all finding it hard to think about our school without her.”

Brenda said: “Nelson is my second family – I am one of those rare people who genuinely loves their job and cannot wait to get up and go to work each day. Nelson has changed and grown so much over the years - the classrooms, staff and of course families. Certain families will always stay with me, especially those where I have seen several generations pass through. I am often surprised when I bump into ex-pupils, some of whom are now in their forties!

“It has been a very difficult decision for me to leave the school, I am grateful for the support of the current staff who have supported me through this transition. In my retirement I will continue my links by being a member of the PTFA - Nelson will always be a part of me. I am looking forward to being able to spend much more time with my family, who have been keen for me to make this decision for a long while!”

CEO of Evolution Academy Trust, Dr Craig Avieson, said: “‘It has been a pleasure to have someone as dedicated as Brenda working at Nelson Infant School. She is known for the care and compassion she shows for all members of the Nelson community and those across the Trust, and I know she will be sorely missed.”