Long-serving Melksham headmistress Delyth Wiltshire has been left with a host of memories after bringing an end to her 37-year teaching career.

On Friday, Mrs Wiltshire, 58, took early retirement from her post at Churchfields Village School in Atworth after serving almost four decades at several different Wiltshire schools and 10 years as a headteacher.

Mrs Wiltshire started at Atworth Primary School in 1990 before being appointed head in 1996.

When the Atworth school federated with Monkton Farleigh and South Wraxall Primary School to become Churchfields in 2006, she continued as headteacher, covering both school sites accommodating more than 100 pupils.

Mrs Wiltshire said she was now going to enjoy spending time at her home in Rowde with her husband Phillip as well as taking up Spanish lessons and revisiting her love of golf, but said she will miss her time as a teacher.

“There have been so many fond memories,” she said.

“You don’t embark on a teaching career for 37 years unless it is something you are really passionate about and really want to do.

“I always wanted to become a teacher. Every day was different and better than the last.”

Mrs Wiltshire, who will be temporarily replaced by two senior teachers before Steven Bennett, the current headteacher of Seend Primary School takes over in June, was given three days of parties to mark her retirement.

On Thursday she was joined by past and present school governors for a celebration at the school while on Friday pupils sang songs and presented her with presents, cards and cakes.

Mrs Wiltshire was then given a welcome surprise, as past pupils came into the school to visit her.

Among those who came along were pupils who had started at the primary school when she was first appointed as headteacher.

“Some of the girls I was able to recognise, but with the boys some of them looked really different as they had filled out and grown stubble,” she said.

On Saturday the festivities continued as Mrs Wiltshire’s husband took her on what she described as a ‘magical mystery tour’ in Southwick and she was presented with another cake and joined by former members of staff that she had worked with throughout the years.

Despite leaving her post, she was due to return to the school this week to clear out her office.

“I haven’t had enough time due to all the parties,” she said.