Two headteachers said an emotional goodbye to their schools as they moved on to pastures new this week.

Ruth Farrell, 61, retired from Hilperton Primary School on Wednesday, after children had held a farewell event in her honour on Friday.

Mrs Farrell, who lives in Warminster, said: “I have a mixture of emotions. When I arrived on Friday, there was a big message written in the grass, in white paint which read ‘Thank you Mrs Farrell’, which was very touching.

“I have really enjoyed working here for six fantastic years, with a great group of staff, delightful children and a supportive group of parents.”

Mrs Farrell was headteacher at St George’s Primary School in Semington for four years and spent 15 years as a teacher at Sambourne Primary School in Warminster.

Mrs Farrell, who is married to Peter, 66, and has two grown-up sons, Simon and Paul, said she was looking forward to having more free time to holiday and spend time with her family.

She will be replaced by Vicky Cann, currently deputy head at Christ Church Primary School, Bradford on Avon.

Headteacher Bruce Douglas left Staverton Primary School last Friday, after eight years.

Mr Douglas, 49, will become the headteacher at St Nicholas School, Chippenham, which supports children with special educational needs.

He said: “I love Staverton Primary School and its children very deeply and I think we are the heart of a fantastic community.”

Deputy headteacher Andy Tarrant will become the acting headteacher.

As a leaving gift, Mr Douglas gave the school a sundial. The pupils gave him many gifts to take away.