A TEACHER described as the 'heart and soul' of a Cotswold school has said a fond farewell after 38 years of dedicated service.

Sara Chandler, vice principal and teacher of art at Chipping Campden School, has said her goodbyes to staff and students alike after retiring at the end of the summer term.

Mrs Chandler, 60, who lives in Bretforton, came to teach art as a newly qualified teacher in September 1978.

Then, after gaining diploma in English teaching, she taught art and English for several years.

She was head of art and head of year seven before being appointed assistant principal and then vice principal in 2006 and 2014 respectively.

Staff and ex-colleagues attended a farewell party for Mrs Chandler at the Cotswold House Hotel, in Chipping Campden on Tuesday, July 19 and presented her with a studio easel as a leaving gift.

Mrs Chandler said: “Working with young people and their parents - many of whom I have taught - has been a big part of my life for 38 years.

"It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with such smashing young people in wonderful surroundings with the support of great colleagues.”

Principal John Sanderson said: “Mrs Chandler has been the heart and soul of Chipping Campden School and we will miss her enormously.

"She has been a major part of the school’s success, having taught and inspired generations of children with outstanding professionalism, understanding and care.”

Mrs Chandler plans to spend her new-found time reconnecting with her creative side in a new art studio she is having built at home.